China Successfully Orbits Experimental Science Satellite

DRAGON SPACE

The Long March carrier rocket was sent off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in western China. This is the 85th rocket in the Long March series and China's 43rd successful launch since 1996. Photo: Xinhua.

Beijing (XNA) Jul 07, 2005
China on Wednesday launched another experimental science satellite into a preset orbit, atop a Long March 2D carrier rocket from a launching center in northwest China's Gansu Province.

Officials at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center said the Shijian-7 (SJ-7) satellite was rocketed at 6:40 a.m. and started orbiting normally 12 minutes later.

The SJ-7 Satellite was designed to monitor space environment and conduct other spacial scientific and technological experiments with a three-year life span, according to the Center.

The launch is the 85th mission taken by the Long March carrier rockets since 1970 and the 43rd consecutive successful one since October 1996.

The first SJ Satellite was launched in 1971 and the technological standards of the satellite detectors have since kept improving.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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China Counting Down To Next Men In Space

Beijing (XNA) Jul 05, 2005
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