At 6:56 a.m. on April 3, 2024, carrying Yaogan-42 01 satellite, the Long March 2D launch vehicle successfully launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, signaling a complete success of the launch mission. Both the satellite and the launch vehicle were developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, an academy affiliated with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. 

Long March 2D is a level 2 carrier rocket with liquid propellant of normal temperature. It has a takeoff thrust of about 300 tons, and a payload capacity of 1.3 tons for deploying satellites into a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Meanwhile, it is capable of launching single or multiple satellites into different orbits from Jiuquan, Taiyuan, and Xichang satellite launch centers. 

In response to the tight launch schedule, the model team made meticulous plans and preparations in advance, ensuring simultaneous entry of two launch vehicles and concurrent initiation of launch site procedures. Through precise scheduling and with adequate support, the team not only ensured the smooth progress of the ongoing launch mission, but also guaranteed the orderly implementation of subsequent launch tasks, thereby further improving the work efficiency at the launch site.

This mission marks the inaugural launch of the Long March 2D at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center for the current year. Unlike the usual rainy conditions in previous summers, this time, the team needs to address the static electricity risks frequently occurring in the dry spring. To secure operational safety, the team conducted thorough examinations and identified potential risks at each operational stage. Under mutual supervision and reminders, anti-static measures were well in place.

This launch mission is the 87^th launch of the Long March 2D vehicle, the 206^th of the Long March series developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, and the 515^th of this rocket series.

The satellite test team continuously strengthened its awareness of quality, risk, and responsibility. With a cautious working attitude, an unwavering sense of responsibility, and a meticulous work style, they made intensive efforts to conduct risk analysis and quality reviews. Prior to the launch, the model development team orchestrated the “pre-event envisioning and post-event reflection” working procedure in both Xichang and Shanghai. While persevering in the satellite work, they continuously refined the procedure - over 20 related tasks were proposed and completed, and low-level quality issues were also rigorously averted, establishing a solid foundation for the successful launch of the satellite.

During the satellite development process, the development team, following the principles of “strict control of technical conditions, precise and effective validation, and efficient quality improvement”, summarized and applied the experience of SAST in low-cost and rapid development of satellite models, established precise and efficient technical processes, and successfully completed various tests, experiments, as well as the interface docking test and confirmation with the large scale system with high quality.

The team prioritized the cultivation of young designers, persistently offering them opportunities, positions, and guidance and assigning them responsibilities. That allowed them to rapidly grow through practical experience, turning into proficient technical experts strong enough to work independently. The development team, as a whole, embraced challenges and assumed responsibilities together. Whatever setbacks and challenges they encountered, they never gave up. And in Shanghai, Xichang, Xi’an, and Beijing, works were organized in concord. Through proactive collaboration and persistent dedication, they have timely completed all development tasks at a high-quality level.