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China launches satellite Fengyun-II 08

Updated: Dec 31,2014 2:04 PM     Xinhua

A Long March-3A rocket carrying meteorological satellite Fengyun-II 08 blasts off from the launchpad at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, southwest China’s Sichuan province, Dec 31, 2014. The launch marked the 203rd mission for the Long March rocket family. [Photo/Xinhua]

XICHANG, Sichuan — China successfully launched Fengyun-II 08, its meteorological satellite, at 9:02 am on Dec 31 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan province.

The satellite will collect meteorological, maritime and hydrological data; and transmit information that will be used for weather forecasting and environment monitoring.

A Long March-3A rocket carrying meteorological satellite Fengyun-II 08 blasts off from the launchpad at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, southwest China’s Sichuan province, Dec 31, 2014. The launch marked the 203rd mission for the Long March rocket family. [Photo/Xinhua]

Both the Long March 3A rocket, which was used to propel the satellite into space, and the satellite were made by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.

The day witnessed the 203rd time a Long March rocket has been launch.

The previous satellite, Fengyun-II 07, to be sent into space was launched on Jan 13, 2012, and works well in orbit.