A LM-4B Launches Two Satellites into Orbit

The high resolution and multi-mode imaging satellitePhoto:CAST

The Xibaipo 8102 satellitePhoto:CAST

At 11:10 Beijing time on July 3,a LM-4B launch vehicle lifted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center,launching two satellites,a high resolution and multi-mode imaging satellite and a piggybacked Xibaipo 8102 satellite,into orbit successfully.Both satellites entered their preset orbits.

The high-resolution and multi-mode imaging satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology.With multiple agile imaging modes,it is the first optical remote sensing satellite in China whose civilian resolution reaching sub-meter level.The satellite will mainly be used for obtaining high-resolution images of the country's territory and its surrounding areas,providing services forindustries including natural resources,disaster mitigation and emergency,agriculture and ecological environment,housing and urban-rural development,forestry and prairie areas.The use of the satellite will break the monopoly by international commercial remote sensing companies in the market of remote sensing images with sub-meter level resolution.

The Xibaipo 8102 satellite is a middle school students' satellite for popular science,which was developed by the Aerospace Dongfanghong Satellite Co.,Ltd of CAST under a program initiated by China Center for Aerospace Science and Technology International Communications and No.1 Middle School of Luquan,Shijiazhuang,Hebei Province.The 2U cubesat will conduct technical experiments including Earth remote sensing imaging,image and voice data transmission and in-orbit programming.The program enabled students to participate in the development of the nanosat including satellite task analysis,orbital trajectory computation,system design simulation,component design and development,satellite integrated testing,satellite environmental testing,launch,and now satellite in-orbit operation and management including payload applications.

The LM-4B carrier rocket was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.The three-stage conventional liquid propellant rocket used a newly developed four-pin joint and unlocking device and accurate impact area control technology with which the impact area location of the second stage was optimized.

It was the 337th launch of the Long March series launch vehicle.(MIAO Shanshan/China Space News)