Earth-observation satellite launched

China launched an Earth-observation satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwestern Gobi Desert on Thursday, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.

The State-owned space giant said the satellite, called Tianhui 1-04, was carried by a Long March 2D carrier rocket that blasted off at 12:01 pm. This was the 381st launch by a Long March-series rocket.

Developed by Aerospace Dongfanghong, a subsidiary of the China Academy of Space Technology, the satellite will be used for scientific experiments, surveying land resources and land mapping.