China successfully launched a Long March 2D/2 (CZ-2D/2) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China, at 0401 GMT on 29 July. The mission carried the Tianhui 1-04 satellite, used for mapping/cartography purposes. Western sources believe this series of satellites has a dual military and civilian function and as such may be used both the Chinese Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Phil Hylands contributed to this article.