On Thursday at 12:12 Beijing time, the Long March 4B carrier rocket was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, successfully placing the new Shijian-26 satellite into orbit.

The new satellite will play a key role in the areas of Earth surface mapping, environmental management, and other civilian applications. It is designed to provide information services to support national economic development and the efficient management of natural resources.

This is the 579th mission of the Long March series of carrier rockets, which forms the backbone of China's space program.

China is once again demonstrating its growing presence in space, not only in the field of research, but also in practical applications for the development of a sustainable society.

CMG