The satellite to study phenomena including gamma-ray bursts was
lifted into orbit by a Chinese carrier rocket launched from the
Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of
Sichuan, CCTV said.
The launch of the Space Variable Objects Monitor will play an
important role in astronomical discoveries, the broadcaster
said, citing the China National Space Administration.
It is the first astronomy satellite developed by China and
France, although they developed the China-France Oceanography
Satellite, launched in 2018, China Daily reported in April.
China's advances in space and lunar exploration are rapidly
outpacing those of the United States, attracting partners from
European and Asian countries as a result.
China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe this month carried to the far side
of the moon payloads from the European Space Agency, as well as
from Pakistani, French and Italian research institutes.
China is working with countries including Brazil, Egypt and
Thailand to develop and launch satellites.
(Reporting by Samuel Shen in Shanghai and Eduardo Baptista in
Beijing; Editing by William Mallard)
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