China launches new mapping satellite

China successfully launched its Tianhui I-02 mapping satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu province at 3:10 p.m. Sunday.

The satellite, which was launched using a Long March 2-D carrier rocket, has entered its preset orbit. Another similar satellite, the Tianhui I, was launched into space in August 2010.

The satellite, developed and produced by a company under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), will mainly be used to conduct scientific experiments, carry out land resource surveys and map territory, according to a statement released after the launch.

Remote sensing information and test results from the satellite will boost both the country's scientific research and economic development, said the statement.

The mission marked the 161st launch for the Long March rocket family since April 24, 1970, when a Long March-1 rocket successfully sent the country's first satellite, the Dongfanghong-1, into space.