Long March 2D | Zhangheng-1 (CSES)

Zhangheng-1, also known as CSES (China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite) is a scientific mission dedicated to studying the ionospheric precursors of earthquakes. Data collected by the mission will also allow studying solar-terrestrial interactions and phenomena of solar physics. This mission is a collaboration between China National Space Administration and the Italian Space Agency. CSES satellite weighs about 730 kg and it is to reside in a 98° sun-synchronous circular orbit at an altitude about 500 km, where it is expected to operate for 5 years.

The Long March 2D, also known as the Chang Zheng 2D, CZ-2D and LM-2D, is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket. It is a 2-stage carrier rocket mainly used for launching LEO and SSO satellites.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.