ISTANBUL 

China on Monday launched two test satellites for Earth observation into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, according to state media.

The Shiyan-30 01 and 02 satellites lifted off at 11 am local time (0300GMT) aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket and successfully entered their designated orbits, the state-run Xinhua News reported.

The satellites will primarily be used for the experimental verification of Earth observation technologies, it added.

Monday’s launch marked the 598th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.