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First China-European Union Satellite, Double Star, Launched
By Associated Press
posted: 03:35 pm ET
30 December 2003
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BEIJING (AP) -- China on Tuesday launched a research satellite into orbit Tuesday in a joint project with the European Space Agency to study the Earth's magnetic fields. The ``Double Star'' project, which will involve two satellites, is China's first collaboration with the ESA. The Probe No. 1 blasted off aboard Long March 2C-SM rocket from a base in the southwestern town of Xichang at 3:06 a.m., the official Xinhua News Agency reported. The satellite entered an orbit that varies between 345 miles and 48,501 miles, Xinhua said. It said Probe No. 1 was expected to operate for 18 months. China's space program, a key prestige project for the communist government, sent its first satellite into orbit in 1970 and in October launched its first manned space flight. ``Double Star'' is to study the Earth's magnetic field, ionosphere and upper atmosphere, Xinhua said. The project is ``the first time that China cooperated with developed countries with its own space exploration programs,'' the agency said. The launch was the 33rd consecutive successful of a Long March rocket since October 10, 1996, when a rocket blew up shortly after liftoff.
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