To test and verify space debris mitigation technologies, China on Sunday successfully launched a new satellite. The satellite was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
The satellite, named Shijian-21, was launched by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and it entered the planned orbit successfully. The satellite will be mainly used to test and verify space debris mitigation technologies, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
This launch marked the 393rd mission for the Long March series carrier rockets.
China started a space debris action plan in 2000 and has allocated considerable amount of resources to research the detection, prevention and mitigation of space debris, space officials have said.
The China National Space Administration established its Space Debris Monitoring and Application Center in June 2015.
The center is responsible for tracking waste, analyzing hazards, developing prevention and disposal plans, setting up a database and communicating with other nations and international organizations.
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(With inputs from agencies)