China successfully launched a Tianhui 1B mapping satellite May 6 aboard a Long March 2D rocket, according to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Liftoff from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China’s Gansu province occurred at 3:10 p.m. local time, according to Xinhua.
The satellite was developed under the direction of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. A similar satellite, Tianhui 1, was launched in August 2010.
Xinhua, citing a statement released after the launch, said the satellite “will mainly be used to conduct scientific experiments, carry out land resource surveys and map territory.”
The launch marked the 16th flight of a Long March 2D since 1992, according to Xinhua. The mission was China’s sixth space launch this year.