Gaofen observation satellite launched into orbit

China launched the Gaofen program in May 2010 and listed it as one of the nation's 16 most important science and technology projects. The program has established a space-based, high-resolution Earth observation network with dozens of Gaofen satellites in service.

Images and data from the satellites have been widely used in more than 20 industries across China and have helped reduce the country's dependence on foreign remote-sensing products.