The Haiyang ("Ocean") 2 series of satellites are part of a scientific Chinese program to monitor Earth’s oceans and coastal regions.

The Haiyang 1 and 2 satellites pass over the same point on Earth’s surface every four to seven days to allow for complete, global views of Earth's ever-changing environment.

The series 2 satellites are being launched into polar orbits.

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Lead image: Xinhua

The Chang Zheng 4B is a medium-lift rocket within China's launch vehicle family.

Flying for the first time on May 10th, 1999, it has two locations from which it can launch, the Taiyuan and Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centers.

At Taiyuan, the rocket as two launch pads, LA-7 and LA-9. At Jiuquan, it has a single launch pad: SLS-2 (South Launch Site 2).

It is manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.

Image credit: Xinhua

South Launch Site (SLS) 2 is one of two launch pads in the southern launch region of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The pad is capable of launching five rocket types, including the Chang Zheng 2C, 2D, 4B, 4C, and 11 variants and has been in service since 2003.

Part of the larger Jiuquan launch complex, the area is also known as the Shuangchengzi Missile Test Center and is located in the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia region of Gansu Province.

The spaceport was founded in 1958 and has hosted more launches for China than any other space facility in the nation.