China sent its first reusable and returnable test satellite, the Shijian-19, into space on Friday, using a Long March-2D rocket for the launch.
The rocket blasted off at 18:30 (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The Shijian-19 satellite has realized a number of breakthroughs in several key technologies, including reusability, microgravity support, high payload capacity, and re-entry testing services. These breakthroughs are expected to significantly enhance the technical level and application efficiency of China's returnable satellites, while also reducing operational costs. This initiative will provide strong support for the rapid transformation of new technology validations and research outcomes.
The satellite is set to conduct space breeding experiments, carrying various plant seeds selected from different places. These experiments will leverage the advantages of space breeding, such as high mutation efficiency, shorter breeding cycles, and numerous beneficial variations. This effort aims to elevate China's space breeding technology and accelerate the innovation of germplasm resources, thereby supporting the nation’s goal of technological self-reliance in seed development.
Researchers also plan to capitalize on the Shijian-19’s reusability to conduct space experiments, providing in-orbit testing opportunities for domestic components and materials, which are anticipated to promote advancement and application of new space technologies and contribute to research in microgravity science and space life sciences.
In addition to its domestic objectives, the Shijian-19 satellite carries payloads from five countries, including Thailand and Pakistan, highlighting China's commitment to international cooperation in space exploration.
This was the 537th flight mission of the Long March series rockets.
China launches first reusable, returnable test satellite
An Israeli airstrike on Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, resulted in at least two fatalities and 76 injuries, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday.
The attack on Friday afternoon caused the largest explosion in over a year in the southern suburbs of Beirut, with the blast being felt up to 10 kilometers away.
"This is the seventh time the southern suburbs of Beirut have been targeted by Israeli airstrikes in the past year. From my observation, this is the largest incident. It produced a mushroom cloud effect when the explosion happened. In the previous six attacks, Hezbollah reported losing two leaders, several commanders, and many important members," said China Media Group (CMG) reporter Ci Xiaoning after observing the scene.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed the strikes, stating that they targeted Hezbollah's main headquarters located beneath residential buildings in the Dahieh neighborhood, known as a stronghold for the militant group. He did not clarify whether Hezbollah's secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, was the intended target or present during the attack.
The airstrikes shook Beirut shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Netanyahu's office stated that the Israeli prime minister approved the airstrike earlier on Friday from his hotel and decided to return to Israel sooner than scheduled after delivering his address to the UN.
During Friday's General Assembly, Netanyahu ruled out an immediate truce in the escalating conflict with Lebanon. He also warned of growing threats from Iran, suggesting that Israel faces multiple fronts of conflict organized by Tehran.
Israel launched extensive airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, marking the most significant military action since 2006. According to Lebanon's health ministry, these strikes have caused nearly 700 deaths in the country this week.
The International Organization for Migration estimated on Thursday that over 200,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon since last October when Hezbollah began launching rockets into northern Israel in support of Hamas.
At least 8 dead, 91 injured in Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut
