According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, the "Yaogan-41" satellite was launched last night aboard a "Long March-5 Y6" rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on Hainan Island.
It was reported that the satellite successfully entered its planned orbit following the launch.
The launch marked the 502nd transport mission carried out by Long March rockets.
It was noted that the optical satellite, which features remote sensing capabilities, will be used for land surveying, crop yield monitoring, environmental management, meteorological warning and forecasting, as well as disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.
"Yaogan" means "remote sensing" in Chinese. Some Western sources suggest that Yaogan-class satellites are intended for military intelligence purposes and are controlled by the Strategic Support Force of the People's Liberation Army of China, which is responsible for space, cyber, and electronic warfare.
News Source: AA
