Launching at 2002 GMT on 26 July, a Chinese Long March 2D (CZ-2D) rocket has carried three satellites into LEO. This mission lifted-off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China. The satellites make up Yaogan 36 Group 05 and consist of two optical and one radar unit. These are described as “remote sensing” spacecraft by Chinese state media however, Western analysts consider the Yaogan 36 series to have SIGINT reconnaissance purposes.
The Long March 2D ignites its engines as it lifts-off. Courtesy: Xinhua/Zhang Yingjian
