At 4:42 p.m. Beijing Time on December 9, 2009, China’s Long March 2D (LM-2D) launch vehicle conducted a launch in Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), successfully sending Yaogan VII remote-sensing satellite into predetermined orbit.
Yaogan VII satellite is designed and manufactured by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), subordinated to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC). It will be mainly used for scientific experiment, land resources survey, crop yield estimates and disaster prevention and reduction.
LM-2D launch vehicle is developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) subordinated to CASC. The launch marks the 11th consecutive successful flight of LM-2D launch vehicle since its maiden flight and the 120th flight of Long March series of launch vehicles.