Three satellites, which constitute the fifth group of “Yaogan-39” satellites with remote sensing features, were launched from the Xicang Satellite Center in Sichuan province with the Long March 2D rocket.
While the satellites settled into their planned orbital position after the launch, this was the 500th transport mission performed with Long March rockets.
China’s first domestic satellite, Donfanghong 1, was launched into space with the Long March 1 rocket in 1970.
While 20 types of Long March rockets have been produced since 1970, 16 of them are still in active use.
The design and production of the rockets are undertaken by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) in Beijing and the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) in Shanghai, affiliated with the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
Of the 500 launches, 297 were made with Long March models developed by CALT, and 203 were made with models developed by SAST.
Apart from the Long March rocket family, 64 launches were made with other rockets developed by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) and private space and aviation companies.
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