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Xichang Test Satellites Launch - China

A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying test satellites, Shiyan-30 01 and 02, blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, on September 29, 2025. The two test satellites were launched at 11:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and entered their preset orbits successfully. The satellites will be mainly used for experimental verification of Earth observation technologies. Photo by Yang Xi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Xichang Test Satellites Launch - China

A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying test satellites, Shiyan-30 01 and 02, blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, on September 29, 2025. The two test satellites were launched at 11:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and entered their preset orbits successfully. The satellites will be mainly used for experimental verification of Earth observation technologies. Photo by Yang Xi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Xichang Test Satellites Launch - China

A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying test satellites, Shiyan-30 01 and 02, blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, on September 29, 2025. The two test satellites were launched at 11:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and entered their preset orbits successfully. The satellites will be mainly used for experimental verification of Earth observation technologies. Photo by Yang Xi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China Launches Two Test Satellites

A modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket carrying two test satellites blasts off from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, November 27, 2024. China on Wednesday successfully launched the modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket into space. The carrier rocket blasted off at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and sent two test satellites into planned orbits. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China Launches Two Test Satellites

A modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket carrying two test satellites blasts off from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, November 27, 2024. China on Wednesday successfully launched the modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket into space. The carrier rocket blasted off at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and sent two test satellites into planned orbits. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China Launches Two Test Satellites

A modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket carrying two test satellites blasts off from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, November 27, 2024. China on Wednesday successfully launched the modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket into space. The carrier rocket blasted off at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and sent two test satellites into planned orbits. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China Launches Two Test Satellites

A modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket carrying two test satellites blasts off from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, November 27, 2024. China on Wednesday successfully launched the modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket into space. The carrier rocket blasted off at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and sent two test satellites into planned orbits. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China Launches Two Test Satellites

A modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket carrying two test satellites blasts off from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, November 27, 2024. China on Wednesday successfully launched the modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket into space. The carrier rocket blasted off at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and sent two test satellites into planned orbits. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China Launches Two Test Satellites

A modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket carrying two test satellites blasts off from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, November 27, 2024. China on Wednesday successfully launched the modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket into space. The carrier rocket blasted off at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and sent two test satellites into planned orbits. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China Launches Two Test Satellites

A modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket carrying two test satellites blasts off from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, November 27, 2024. China on Wednesday successfully launched the modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket into space. The carrier rocket blasted off at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and sent two test satellites into planned orbits. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China Launches Two Test Satellites

A modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket carrying two test satellites blasts off from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, November 27, 2024. China on Wednesday successfully launched the modified ZQ-2 Y-1 carrier rocket into space. The carrier rocket blasted off at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) and sent two test satellites into planned orbits. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 28, 2024 shows the central core for the inaugural Ariane 6 flight currently being assembled. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariana Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 28, 2024 shows the central core for the inaugural Ariane 6 flight currently being assembled. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariana Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 22, 2024 shows the arrival of the stages for the inaugural Ariane 6 flight in French Guiana. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by ESA CNES Arianespace ArianeGroup via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 22, 2024 shows the arrival of the stages for the inaugural Ariane 6 flight in French Guiana. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by ESA CNES Arianespace ArianeGroup via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 21, 2024 shows Canopee cargo ship in Kourou, French Guiana. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 21, 2024 shows Canopee cargo ship in Kourou, French Guiana. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 21, 2024 shows Canopee cargo ship in Kourou, French Guiana. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 21, 2024 shows Canopee cargo ship in Kourou, French Guiana. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated October 11, 2023 shows Canopee cargo ship in Bremen, Germany. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 6, 2024 shows Ariane 6 main stage inaugural flight departure. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 21, 2024 shows Canopee cargo ship in Kourou, French Guiana. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 6, 2024 shows Ariane 6 main stage inaugural flight departure. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 6, 2024 shows Ariane 6 main stage inaugural flight departure. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated February 10, 2024 shows Canopee cargo ship loading inaugural flight main stage. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated November 11, 2023 shows Ariane 6 long hot fire test. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated November 11, 2023 shows Ariane 6 long hot fire test. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated November 11, 2023 shows Ariane 6 long hot fire test. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Expected By Summer

Handout photo dated November 11, 2023 shows Ariane 6 long hot fire test. Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024. The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana. ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed. The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA. Photo by Ariane Group via ABACAPRESS.COM

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China-funded prototype satellites delivered to Egypt

STORY: China-funded prototype satellites delivered to Egypt DATELINE: June 27, 2023 LENGTH: 0:03:05 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the packaged flight model and two prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project 2. various of the delivery ceremony 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): RANIA AL-MASHAT, Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LIAO LIQIANG, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt 5. various of the AIT center 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): SHERIF SEDKY, Chief executive officer of the Egyptian Space Agency STORYLINE: Two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project were delivered to the Egyptian side on Sunday, making Egypt the first African country with the capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites. During the delivery ceremony held at the Egyptian Space Agency near the country's New Administrative Capital, Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat thanked China for supporting and cooperating

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EGYPT-NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL-CHINA-PROTOTYPE SATELLITES-DELIVERY

(230626) -- NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL (EGYPT), June 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on June 25, 2023 shows two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project during a delivery ceremony at the Egyptian Space Agency near New Administrative Capital, Egypt. Two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project were delivered to the Egyptian side on Sunday, making Egypt the first African country with the capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

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EGYPT-NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL-CHINA-PROTOTYPE SATELLITES-DELIVERY

(230626) -- NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL (EGYPT), June 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on June 25, 2023 shows the packaged flight model of satellite of the MisrSat II satellite project during a delivery ceremony at the Egyptian Space Agency near New Administrative Capital, Egypt. Two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project were delivered to the Egyptian side on Sunday, making Egypt the first African country with the capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

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EGYPT-NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL-CHINA-PROTOTYPE SATELLITES-DELIVERY

(230626) -- NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL (EGYPT), June 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on June 25, 2023 shows the packaged flight model and two prototype models of satellite of the MisrSat II satellite project during a delivery ceremony at the Egyptian Space Agency near New Administrative Capital, Egypt. Two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project were delivered to the Egyptian side on Sunday, making Egypt the first African country with the capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

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EGYPT-NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL-CHINA-PROTOTYPE SATELLITES-DELIVERY

(230626) -- NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL (EGYPT), June 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A delivery ceremony of China-funded prototype satellites is held at the Egyptian Space Agency near New Administrative Capital, Egypt, on June 25, 2023. Two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project were delivered to the Egyptian side on Sunday, making Egypt the first African country with the capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

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EGYPT-NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL-CHINA-PROTOTYPE SATELLITES-DELIVERY

(230626) -- NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL (EGYPT), June 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat (R) shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang after a delivery ceremony of two prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project at the Egyptian Space Agency near New Administrative Capital, Egypt, on June 25, 2023. Two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project were delivered to the Egyptian side on Sunday, making Egypt the first African country with the capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

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Japan's H-2A rocket fails to release 2nd satellite

UCHINOURA, Japan - Junichiro Kagaguchi (R), professor at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, speaks to reporters in Uchinoura, Kagoshima Prefecture, on Feb. 3 about the failure by Japan's second H-2A rocket to release one of two test satellites after its successful blastoff from the National Space Development Agency of Japan's Tanegashima Space Center in the prefecture.

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China sends two satellites into space via offshore rocket launch

STORY: China sends two satellites into space via offshore rocket launch DATELINE: Oct. 8, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:37 LOCATION: YANTAI, China CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY/MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the offshore rocket launch 2. launch platform STORYLINE: China successfully launched two test satellites from a launch platform in the Yellow Sea on Friday. The test satellites with LEO satellite navigation enhancement system were lifted off by a Long March-11 carrier rocket and they have entered the planned orbit successfully. The satellites will be used to monitor the performance of the global navigation satellite system in real time, and carry out navigation augmentation and intersatellite laser communication tests. It was the 441st flight mission of the Long March series rockets. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Yantai, China. (XHTV)

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(EyesonSci) CHINA-JIUQUAN-SATELLITES-LAUNCH (CN)

(220906) -- JIUQUAN, Sept. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket carrying the CentiSpace-1-S3/S4 test satellites blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Sept. 6, 2022. The two new test satellites were launched at 10:24 a.m. Beijing Time (0224 GMT) and have entered the planned orbit successfully. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

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(EyesonSci) CHINA-JIUQUAN-SATELLITES-LAUNCH (CN)

(220906) -- JIUQUAN, Sept. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket carrying the CentiSpace-1-S3/S4 test satellites blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Sept. 6, 2022. The two new test satellites were launched at 10:24 a.m. Beijing Time (0224 GMT) and have entered the planned orbit successfully. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

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(EyesonSci) CHINA-JIUQUAN-SATELLITES-LAUNCH (CN)

(220906) -- JIUQUAN, Sept. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket carrying the CentiSpace-1-S3/S4 test satellites blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Sept. 6, 2022. The two new test satellites were launched at 10:24 a.m. Beijing Time (0224 GMT) and have entered the planned orbit successfully. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

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(EyesonSci) CHINA-JIUQUAN-SATELLITES-LAUNCH (CN)

(220906) -- JIUQUAN, Sept. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket carrying the CentiSpace-1-S3/S4 test satellites blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Sept. 6, 2022. The two new test satellites were launched at 10:24 a.m. Beijing Time (0224 GMT) and have entered the planned orbit successfully. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

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(EyesonSci) CHINA-JIUQUAN-SATELLITES-LAUNCH (CN)

(220906) -- JIUQUAN, Sept. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket carrying the CentiSpace-1-S3/S4 test satellites blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Sept. 6, 2022. The two new test satellites were launched at 10:24 a.m. Beijing Time (0224 GMT) and have entered the planned orbit successfully. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

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China's rocket modified with solid strap-on boosters makes maiden flight

STORY: China's rocket modified with solid strap-on boosters makes maiden flight DATELINE: March 30, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:41 LOCATION: TAIYUAN, China CATEGORY: SCIENCE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the rocket blasting off STORYLINE: A modified version of the Long March-6 carrier rocket with solid strap-on boosters made its maiden flight on Tuesday, sending two satellites into planned orbit. The rocket blasted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province at 5:50 p.m. (Beijing Time). The modified rocket is China's first type of carrier rocket equipped with solid strap-on boosters. It uses non-toxic and non-polluting propellants and can send satellites to the sun-synchronous orbit. One of the two satellites launched by the rocket will carry out scientific test and research, land and resources survey and other tasks. The other will carry out verification of space environment detection technology test. It was the 412th mission of the Long March rocket series. Xinhua News A

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Japan's H-2A rocket fails to release 2nd satellite

UCHINOURA, Japan - Junichiro Kagaguchi (R), professor at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, speaks to reporters in Uchinoura, Kagoshima Prefecture, on Feb. 3 about the failure by Japan's second H-2A rocket to release one of two test satellites after its successful blastoff from the National Space Development Agency of Japan's Tanegashima Space Center in the prefecture.