China deploys three Tianping 3 satellites with Long March 6 rocket

The rocket lifted off at 8:10 a.m. from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province, placing the satellites into their designated orbit shortly after. According to the company, the satellites will perform various tasks, such as calibrating ground-based radars, measuring radar cross-sections, and supporting tests involving land-based optical instruments and low-orbit environmental surveys.

Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the Long March 6 stands 29.3 meters tall and can carry multiple payloads into different orbits.

This mission marks the 13th launch of the Long March 6 and is China's 50th space launch in 2024. Additionally, it represents the 541st flight of the Long March rocket family, China's primary launch vehicle.