A Long March-4C carrier rocket carrying the Yaogan XVII remote-sensing satellite blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 2, 2013. The satellite will be used to conduct scientific experiments, carry out land surveys, monitor crop yields and aid in reducing and preventing natural disasters. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) |