A Long March 2D/2 (CZ-2D/2) rocket, built by SAST, carried 41 Jilin-1 satellites into LEO from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China, after lifting off at 0530 GMT on 15 June. The event marked the most satellites launched at one time by a Chinese rocket.
Still from animation showing Jilin-1 satellites’ deployment from rocket stage. Chang Guang Satellite Technology
Onboard the Long March rocket were 41 Earth Observation satellites of varying capability, manufactured by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co (CGST). They will primarily form part of its Earth observation constellation called Jilin-1. However, some of the satellites will also provide data for CGST customers.
The Long March 2D rocket carrying its record payload into orbit. Courtesy: Xinhua/Zheng Bin
