At 11:55 on November 16, at my country's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the Long March 2C/Yuanzheng 1S carrier rocket lifted a new generation of ocean water color observation satellites straight into the sky, and then the satellite successfully entered the predetermined orbit, and the launch mission was a success success. This means that my country’s ocean water color series satellites have officially been upgraded to the second-generation observation system.

The rocket takes off. Photo by Zhang Jiuping

The new generation ocean water color observation satellite was developed by the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is the world's first high-precision ocean water color observation satellite targeting various water bodies around the world and using multiple detection methods. It can realize global ocean, offshore, and Large-scale continuous dynamic monitoring of water color, water temperature, sea ice, suspended matter, water ecological environment and other elements near the coast, islands and ports provides timely remote sensing information services for my country's main waterways, maritime hotspots, important ports, etc.

Rocket hoisting. Photo by Zhang Man

The Long March 2C series rockets are developed by the first institute of the group company. They are currently available in two states: a basic two-stage rocket and a configuration equipped with the Yuanzheng 1S upper stage. In view of the heavy weight and high orbit of the satellite, this mission uses the Long March 2C/Yuanzheng 1S configuration rocket, which has the capability of launching multiple satellites with one rocket and deploying constellations. This is the sixth launch of this configuration of rocket. This rocket optimizes a number of technologies, effectively improving the accuracy of the debris landing point and the accuracy of the entire flight time.

All ready to go. Photo by Zhang Man

This launch is the 497th launch of the Long March series of launch vehicles.