Observation satellite launched into orbit by China

China sent into orbit a clandestine remote sensing satellite Wednesday during a launch that was announced less than a day in advance. A Long March 2C rocket blasted off at 0255 GMT Wednesday from the Taiyuan space base in northern China's Shanxi province. The two-stage booster, propelled by a noxious mix of hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, deftly guided the secret Yaogan 6 satellite into orbit, according to the official Xinhua news agency. Tracking data indicate the rocket achieved a sun-synchronous orbit with an average altitude of about 300 miles. More

(Source: SpaceFlightNow.com - Apr 23)