China launches three remote-sensing satellites

The Long March 2D rocket is propelled by liquid propellants and has a liftoff thrust of 300 metric tons. It is capable of sending a 1.3-ton spacecraft to a typical sun-synchronous orbit with an altitude of 700 kilometers.

The mission was China's 39th rocket launch this year and the 485th flight of the Long March rocket family, the nation's main launch vehicle fleet. China plans to carry out about 70 space missions this year.