Science satellite launched into orbit

Gaofen 4 images will assist weather forecasting and forestry monitoring

China launched an observation satellite early on Tuesday that will provide weather forecasting as well as images and data from across Southeast Asia for forest monitoring, disaster prevention and other missions.

A rocket carrying the first Gaofen 4 Earth-observation satellite lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province just after midnight and placed the 5-metric ton satellite into orbit. The mission marked the 222nd flight of the Long March rocket family.