The Long March 2D rocket has completed its 100th successful flight, placing two experimental satellites into orbit in a milestone mission for China's space program.

The vehicle lifted off at 11 am local time from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province, carrying Shiyan 30A and 30B. Both satellites were deployed into their planned orbits, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), which manages the launcher.

Since its maiden launch in August 1992, the Long March 2D has achieved an unbroken record of 100 successes, earning the nickname "gold-medal rocket model" within China's space sector. Over its career, it has placed 316 payloads into space, including scientific, Earth-observation, technology demonstration and international customer satellites.

For

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