China launches advanced HD Earth observation satellite

BEIJING: China today successfully launched the most advanced high-definition Earth observation satellite, which could clearly show small objects with clarity in colour.

The Gaofen-2 was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense ( SASTIND) said.

It was boosted by a Long March-4B carrier rocket. The satellite is China's most advanced high-definition Earth observation satellite, and is able to see a one-metre-long object in full color, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

It will be used for geographic and resources surveys, environment and climate change monitoring, precision agriculture, disaster relief and city planning, the report said.