"Yaogan 21 will be used for scientific experiments, natural resource survey, estimation of crop yield and disaster relief," Xinhua reported. But experts say the Yaogan series of satellites likely serve Chinese military authorities with information from optical and radar imaging sensors. Tracking data from the U.S. Air Force's space surveillance network indicate the Yaogan 21 payload launched Monday was put in orbit about 480 kilometers, or 300 miles, above Earth. The orbit is tilted 97.4 degrees to the equator.
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