China launches new scientific satellite
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-08-30 10:13

China launched a scientific and technical satellite from a remote northwestern desert region in its latest bid to become one of the world's major space powers, state media reported.

A Long March-2IV rocket is launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province Monday, Aug. 29, 2005. [Xinhua]

The satellite was fired from the Jiuquan Satellite launch centre in Gansu province Monday afternoon, said Xinhua news agency.

"The data collected and test results obtained by the satellite will be used in our country's scientific and technical domain and social and economic development," it said.

It was the 22nd scientific satellite China has launched. Xinhua said it would be used for land surveying and mapping and other experiments.

The last scientific satellite China sent into space on August 2 returned to earth Monday, state television added.

In October 2003 China became the third country after the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve manned space flight when astronaut Yang Liwei orbited the Earth 14 times.

Close

Leshan giant buddha Explosion near Sanlitun Tornado occurs off the waters of Zhejiang

Today's Top News     Top China News
President Hu Jintao: Gender equality crucial         Special grants offered to poor students         EU takes steps to unblock China textiles         Farmers sue county for illegal land use         Search for 123 trapped miners suspended         Hurricane Katrina rocks New Orleans	Rescue work stops in Guangdong coalmine, 123 confirmed dead       Sexual harassment against women outlawed       Yuan adjustment not one-off move - banker       China ratifies WHO anti-tobacco treaty       Economists: Zhu Rongji's pro-active policy once more       More flats for low-income families urged