The Haiyang 1 series of satellites are part of a scientific Chinese program to monitor Earth’s oceans and coastal regions.

The word “Haiyang” translates to “Ocean.

Launched into Sun-Synchronous Orbit, the satellites pass over the same point on Earth’s surface every four to seven days to allow for complete, global coverage.

A mid-career upgrade gives the -1C and -1D satellites better instruments to monitor the coastal regions of the ocean environment and new sensors for more accurate measurement of sea surface temperatures, wave height, and pollution levels among other things.

The -1C and -1D satellites in this series have a mass of 442 kg at launch and an expected lifetime of at least five years.

Chang Zheng 2C

The Chang Zheng 2C is a two-stage rocket built by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.

It uses two highly toxic propellants, nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine. Exposure to these fuels as the first stage falls back to Earth near (and sometimes on) populated and un-evacuated villages can lead to severe health issues for residents.

The rocket flew for the first time on September 9th, 1982 and can launch from three Chinese facilities: The Jiuquan, Taiyuan, and Xichang Satellite Launch Centers.

It can take up to 3,850 kg to low Earth orbit and 1,400 kg to a more specialized Sun-synchronous orbit.

LA-9

One of three launch sites at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, LA-9 (Launch Area 9) hosts the Chang Zheng 2C, 4B, and 4C rocket variants.

The pad was used for the first time in October 2008.

Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center

The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center is located in Kelan County, Xinzhou, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China.

It became fully operational in 1968 and is used primarily to launch weather, Earth observation, and science missions to Sun-Synchronous orbits.

The launch site has also hosted Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles and Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile tests.

Taiyuan has three launch pads, LA-7, LA-9, and LA-16, and currently hosts the launches of the Chang Zheng 1D, 2C, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 6 rockets.