Posted: Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 1:05 PM ET (1705 GMT)
China launched an astrophysics satellite jointly developed with France June 22. A Long March 2C rocket lifted off at 3:00 am EDT (0700 GMT) and placed the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite into orbit. SVOM, jointly developed by the China National Space Administration and the French space agency CNES, will study astronomical phenomena at X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths. The first stage from the rocket, which uses toxic hypergolic propellants, fell near a populated area but with no reports of damage or injuries.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  Xinhua article