China launches new commercial carrier rocket

China on Thursday successfully launched Yinli-1 (YL-1) commercial carrier rocket from Haiyang City in the eastern province of Shandong. Lunched by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, the rocket blasted off at 13:30 (Beijing Time) from the offshore platform, sending three satellites of the Yunyao-1 series into the planned orbit.

Developed by Tianjin Yunyao Aerospace Technology Company, the Yunyao-1 satellites are mainly used for meteorological services.