Test satellite launched for internet tech support

China on Saturday launched a Smart Dragon 3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from the sea, sending a test satellite into its planned orbit to promote satellite internet technology. The SD-3 rocket blasted off at 7:32 pm from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in South China's Guangdong province. This offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The SD-3 is a solid-propellant rocket model with a height of 31 meters and a diameter of 2.65 meters. It can carry a liftoff weight of 140 metric tons. The rocket is capable of sending multiple satellites with a combined weight of 1.5 tons to a typical sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers.

Former senior Xizang official investigated

Ding Yexian, former deputy chairman of the Xizang Autonomous Region People's Congress Standing Committee, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and has been put under investigation, China's top anti-graft watchdogs announced on Sunday. Ding, 65, is currently under disciplinary review and investigation, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said. According to public records, Ding has worked in Xizang since 1978. He became the deputy director of the Xizang Autonomous Region People's Congress Standing Committee in January 2021.

Xinhua - China Daily