China launches HD observation satellite

China on Monday launched its most sophisticated observation satellite as part of the country's high-definition Earth observation project.

Gaofen-9 was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu province at 12.42 p.m. (local time) aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket. It was the 209th flight of the Long March rocket series, reported Xinhua news agency.

The optical remote sensing satellite is capable of providing photographs with a resolution of less than a metre. It will be used in land survey, urban planning, road network design, agriculture, and disaster relief.

Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, Gaofen-9 can also serve key national strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative and national defence.

Gaofen-1, the first satellite of the lineage, was launched in April 2013.