China successfully launched a maritime satellite at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China at 6:57 a.m. Tuesday Beijing Time.

Long March-4B rocket carrying orbiter Haiyang-2 lifts off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 16, 2011. The satellite is for the supervision and survey of maritime environment, an important measure for prevention and reduction of maritime disasters. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
The orbiter, Haiyang-2, was boosted by a Long March-4B carrier rocket from the launch center in the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province.

The satellite is for the supervision and survey of the maritime environment, an important measure for prevention and reduction of maritime disasters.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet