Gaofen observation satellite launched into orbit

With a liftoff weight of 250 metric tons, the Long March 4C rocket is mainly used to send satellites to sun-synchronous orbit. It is capable of transporting satellites with a combined weight of 3 tons to an orbit 700 kilometers above the earth.

The launch marked the 425th flight mission of the Long March series rockets.

China has carried out 20 space launch missions this year, and over 40 more are planned by year's end.