China successfully launches its first solar exploration satellite ‘Xihe’
- China has launched its first solar exploration satellite into space to study the violent and sudden physical processes behind solar flares.
- The 550 kg (121-pound) satellite named as Xihe (Name of Sun God in Chinese mythology) was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province aboard a Long March-2D rocket.
- Meanwhile, ten small satellites and a commercial meteorological detection constellation experimental satellite were also send to the space along with Xihe satellite.
- Besides, the launch was the 391st flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.