[Satellite TODAY 12-23-11] China has successfully launched China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.’s (CASC) Ziyuan I-02C high-resolution remote-sensing satellite on a Long March 4B rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, CASC officials announced Dec. 22. 

   The satellite, developed and produced by CASC subsidiary China Academy of Space Technology, is China’s first spacecraft with the ability to acquire high-resolution data through remote sensing. Ziyuan I-02C is designed to conduct land resources surveys, reduce natural disasters, aid agriculture development and manage water resources.

   The Long March 4B rocket is developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, another CASC subsidiary. The Ziyuan I-02C mission marked the 155th flight of China’s Long March series of carrier rockets.