China has launched two Earth observation satellites for Saudi Arabia. The launch was China’s 35th of 2018 with the 36th currently scheduled to liftoff later today.
The Long March 2D launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert at 04:00 UTC (12:10 local time) this morning.
Although there has been no official statement regarding the payload as yet, the primary payload was almost certainly the SaudiSat-5A and 5B remote sensing satellites. Additionally, it is believed that there were a number of microsatellites launched with the primary payload on behalf of commercial satellite makers.
China is expected to launch again today this time from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The launch will deploy the Chang’e 4 lunar mission aboard a Long March 3B/E.
The Chang’e 4 lunar mission is comprised of an orbiter, lander and rover. The trio’s primary mission is expected to last 12 months. However, in June it was revealed that the county is still receiving data from the Chang’e 3 lander. The latest additions could, as a result, remain operational long past their 1-year primary mission.
