New Launch: 2011 November 20, 0015 UTC Site: Jiuquan Space Center, PRC Launcher: Long March 2D (Chang Zheng 2D) International Designator(s): 2011-068A, 2011-068B   SSC Name Owner 37930 CHUANGXIN 1-03 (CX-1-03) PRC 37931 SHIYAN 4 (SY-4) PRC

"An experimental technology demonstration satellite and a spacecraft to collect and relay data for disaster relief ascended into orbit on a Long March 2D rocket this weekend.

"The payloads lifted off at 0015 GMT Sunday (7:15 p.m. EST Saturday) from the Jiuquan launching base in northwestern China. A 134-foot[40.8-m]-tall Long March 2D booster soared into the dawn sky from Jiuquan, where it was 8:15 a.m. Sunday local time.

"The two-stage, hydrazine-fueled launcher was expected to place the Shiyan 4 and Chuangxin 1-03 satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit. Chinese state media reported the launch was successful.

"The Shiyan 4 spacecraft will study the environment and test new space technologies, according to the Xinhua news agency. Shiyan 4 was developed by the Chinese Research Institute of Space Technology.

"Managed by the China Academy of Sciences, Chuangxin 1-03 is a small satellite designed to gather and transmit data for disaster relief and economic development applications. The craft's mission includes collecting hydrological, meteorological and electric power data, Xinhua reported."

Source: Spaceflight Now, "Satellite pair launched by Long March rocket"

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