A satellite developed by China and France, the most powerful yet for studying the farthest explosion of stars, was launched into orbit on Saturday (June 22).

Sino-French satellite launched into orbit, state broadcaster reports

The satellite to study phenomena including gamma-ray bursts was lifted into orbit by a Chinese carrier rocket launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, CCTV said on Saturday.

The launch of the Space Variable Objects Monitor will play an important role in astronomical discoveries, the broadcaster said, citing the China National Space Administration.

It is the first astronomy satellite developed by China and France, although they developed the China-France Oceanography Satellite, launched in 2018, China Daily reported in April.

(Reuters)