Long March 2D rocket lifts 41 satellites into space, setting new national record

After a short flight, the second stage of the rocket successfully placed the 41 small remote-sensing satellites into preset orbits, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the launch mission's contractor.

Designed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a CASC subsidiary, the Long March 2D is one of the most reliable rockets in this nation. Since its debut in August 1992, the model has been used in 76 flights, all of which have been successful.