China successfully launched the Daqi-2 atmospheric environment monitoring satellite aboard a Long March 4C rocket on April 17, 2026, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Also designated AEMS (Atmospheric Environment Monitoring Satellite), Daqi-2 is the second in a series of follow-on missions to the GF-5 satellite program. The spacecraft is designed to conduct high-resolution monitoring of atmospheric composition, with particular focus on tracking greenhouse gases including aerosols and carbon dioxide from a sun-synchronous orbit.

The Long March 4C is a three-stage medium-lift launch vehicle operated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, China's primary state-owned space contractor. The rocket lifted off from Launch Area 94 at Jiuquan, one of China's oldest and most active satellite launch facilities located in northwestern China's Gobi Desert.

The mission achieved its primary objective with a successful launch and orbital insertion. Daqi-2 joins an expanding constellation of Chinese Earth observation satellites dedicated to environmental monitoring and climate research. The satellite's capabilities support China's ongoing efforts in atmospheric science and contribute to global climate change monitoring initiatives through enhanced greenhouse gas observation capabilities.