China sends 5 satellites into orbit via single rocket

China launched a new space environment research satellite and four nanosatellites on a Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 7:40 a.m. Tuesday.

The satellites have successfully entered their preset orbit, according to the center.

A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying the 42nd and 43rd twin satellites of the BeiDou navigation system lifts off from the launch pad at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center near Xichang city, southwest China's Sichuan province, November 19 2018. [File Photo:IC]

Shiyan-6 will be used for conducting space environment exploration experiments.

The term nanosatellite refers to a small artificial satellite weighing between 1 and 10 kg.

Among the four nanosatellites, Tianping-1A and Tianping-1B will be used for equipment calibration on ground control stations, while Jiading-1 is the first satellite of the Xiangyun satellite constellation in low earth orbit.

A software-defined satellite, developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will be used for conducting experiments on open-source satellite software research and development on Android platforms.

Compared to traditional satellites, a software-defined satellite is more flexible and reconfigurable. It enables its operator to capture diverse markets with its ability to change things like frequency bands and coverage areas on demand.

It is the 292th mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.