China launches new Earth-mapping satellite
China successfully launched a new Earth-mapping satellite on Wednesday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province.
The Tianhui-5A satellite, sitting atop a modified version of the Long March-6 carrier rocket, lifted off at 6:50 Beijing Time early Wednesday (2250 GMT on Tuesday).
The satellite has entered its preset orbit. It will be used for geographic mapping, land resource survey, scientific experiments and other missions.
The launch was the 494th mission undertaken by the Long March rocket series.
Expert says the launch of the Tianhui-5 satellite highlights China’s commitment to becoming a global leader in space exploration.
