China launches 3 new remote sensing satellites
China successfully launched three new remote sensing satellites on November 6, 2021 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre located in southwestern Sichuan province.
Key facts
- The satellites belong to the Yaogan-35 family.
- They were launched by a Long March-2D carrier rocket and entered the planned orbit successfully.
- This was the 396th mission for Long March series carrier rockets of China.
Background
China’s Long March-3B rocket has completed its 300th launch in March 2019 successfully. It put a new communication satellite into orbit. This rocket is regarded as the main stay of Chinese space programme since 1970.
About Long March carrier launches
Long March carrier rocket series has been developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is responsible for around 96.4 per cent of all the Chinese launch missions in China. Long March rockets took 37 years to complete first 100 launched. While, second 100 launched were completed in 7.5 years. It only took four years to accomplish the final 100 launches. The average number of launches per year increased from 2.7 to 13.3 and then to 23.5.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
CASC is the main contractor of Chinese space program. It is state-owned. It comprises of a number of subordinate entities which are involved in designing, developing and manufacturing a range of spacecraft, strategic & tactical missile systems, launch vehicles and ground equipment. This corporation was officially established in July 1999.
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Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021