China launched a Long March 2D carrier rocket on the morning of Feb 20 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province, China News Agency reported.
 
A total of four technology demonstration satellites were lifted into space by the rocket, which blasted off at 5:07 am.
 
They are tasked with demonstrating and verifying new technologies for data transmission between satellites as well as Earth observations, the space contractor said in a statement.
 
The launch marked the country's fourth spaceflight in 2020 and the 326th mission for the Long March rocket series.
 
Of the four-launched satellites, the E satellite was developed and built by the Harbin Institute of Technology, or HIT.
 
Officials say it is a key project among China's national major special projects – featuring strong innovation, technical difficulty and complex systems.
 
The project is of great significance for expanding new Earth observation techniques in China.
 
It is also the 20th satellite successfully developed by the Harbin Institute of Technology, following the Shiyan 1, Kuaizhou 1, Jilin 1, Zidingxiang 1 and the Longjiang 2 series of satellites.
 
Officials said that currently the E satellite is operating well and the various tasks are being carried out as planned.
 
They said its launch marked another major landmark project for Harbin Institute of Technology in the field of aerospace.

 
A Long March 2D carrier rocket carrying four satellites is launched on Feb 20. [Photo/chinanews.com]