China successfully launched a Long March 2D (CZ-2D) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China, at 0300 GMT on 6 November. The vehicle was carrying a triplet of satellites identified as Yaogan 35-01-A, 35-01-B, and 35-01-C. The satellites were placed into a near 500 km circular orbit, inclined at 35 degrees. These are reportedly to be used for “remote sensing”. Although, it is believed that they may in fact be a continuation of the previous Yaogan 30 and 32 satellite series and have a signals intelligence role.
The Long March 2D rocket carries the satellite triplet into orbit. Courtesy of Xinhua/Xiaofei
Phil Hylands contributed to this article.
