PIESAT-2 13-16 Mission Overview

China successfully launched four X-band synthetic-aperture radar Earth observation satellites on September 19, 2026, advancing the nation's remote sensing capabilities. The PIESAT-2 13-16 constellation was developed by PIESAT, a leading Chinese Earth observation satellite company, to conduct high-resolution radar imaging of the planet's surface. These SAR satellites enable all-weather, day-night Earth monitoring capabilities essential for applications including disaster assessment, agricultural monitoring, urban planning, and environmental management.

The Long March 2D rocket lifted off at 6:50 p.m. Beijing Time from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province. The Long March 2D is a reliable, two-stage liquid-fueled launch vehicle that has become a workhorse for China's medium-lift satellite deployment missions. Taiyuan, located in northern China, is one of the country's primary satellite launch facilities and has supported numerous Earth observation missions.

The launch achieved full mission success, with all four PIESAT-2 satellites entering their preset orbits as planned. The deployment marks continued progress in China's comprehensive Earth observation network, enhancing data collection for climate monitoring, resource management, and scientific research applications worldwide.