China sent high-definition earth observation satellite “Gaofen 1” into space shortly after noon on Friday, marking the start of a program that will substantially improve its capabilities in disaster relief, resources and environment survey.The satellite unfolded its solar panel in orbit at 12:39 p.m. after its carrier — a Long March-2D rocket — was launched from northwest China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 12:13 p.m. Beijing time, announced the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND). Read More
