China launches latest mapping satellite of Tianhui-1 series

BEIJING: China today successfully sent its third mapping satellite of the Tianhui-1 series into orbit which will enhance the country's ability to carry out scientific research, mapping and disaster relief.

Tianhui-1C mapping satellite was launched from the Jiuquan launching base located in the country's northwestern Gansu province.

Tianhui-1C was aboard a Long March 2D carrier rocket, the 215th launch of the Long March series rockets, said the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp ( CASTC), China's primary launch vehicle and satellite contractor.

The satellite was developed and produced under the auspices of CASTC and is the third satellite in the Tianhui-1 series.

It will be used for scientific experiments, land resource surveys, mapping, crop yield estimation and disaster relief.

The first Tianhui 1 mapping satellite was launched in August 2010.