China launched a pair of mapping satellites on Thursday, March 9, to boost the country’s Earth observation and mapping capabilities. Rocket Long March 4C launched into the predawn sky over the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern China at 17:41 p.m. ET (22:41 p.m. GMT, or March 10 at 6:41 p.m. Beijing time) on Thursday and dropped an insulating material. tile and removal.

Launch successfully sent Tianhui 6 A and B satellites placed in orbit China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the country’s main space contractor within an hour of takeoff. US Space Force satellites tracked and cataloged in sun-synchronous orbits at an altitude of about 550 miles (890 kilometers).

Satellites will be used for geographic mapping, land resource surveys, scientific experiments and other missions. according to this Chinese state media. The satellites were produced by Dongfanghong Satellite Company, which is a subsidiary of the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), which is also CASC’s main academy.

No details about its payloads or capabilities have been released, suggesting the mission is semi-secret and will have at least some military applications. on the patch The mission includes dolphins, suggesting satellites may be mapping the ocean. Shanghai Space Flight Technology Academy (SAST), another major branch of CASC, provided a three-stage rocket for the mission. Long March 4C is 145 feet (44 meters) long. China has launched eight missions so far in 2023. In general, the country plans to launch More than 200 spaceships With more than 70 launches this year despite taking a month-long hiatus during Chinese New Year.