The Yaogan series of Earth observation satellites have been in operation since April 2006.

Chinese media reports the satellites are scientific in nature, for experimentation, land survey, agriculture monitoring, and disaster response.

Western nations believe the satellites to be optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar monitoring platforms used for military purposes.

The Chang Zheng 4C is a rocket within China's launch vehicle family that is closely related to the Chang Zheng 4B.

The 4C's only difference from the 4B is the use of a restartable upper stage engine and a bigger payload fairing to take larger spacecraft to orbit.

It flew for the first time on April 26th, 2006 and can take up to 4,200 kg to low Earth orbit or 1,500 kg into geostationary transfer orbit.

It can launch from both the Taiyuan and Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centers.

It is manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.

Image: Xinhua

South Launch Site (SLS) 2 is one of two launch pads in the southern launch region of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The pad is capable of launching five rocket types, including the Chang Zheng 2C, 2D, 4B, 4C, and 11 variants and has been in service since 2003.

Part of the larger Jiuquan launch complex, the area is also known as the Shuangchengzi Missile Test Center and is located in the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia region of Gansu Province.

The spaceport was founded in 1958 and has hosted more launches for China than any other space facility in the nation.