A Long March-2D rocket carrying six Yunhai-2 satellites and a test communication satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Dec. 29, 2018. The six atmospheric environment research satellites will be used to study atmospheric environment, monitor space environment, prevent and reduce disasters, and conduct scientific experiments. (Xinhua/Hao Wei)

China successfully sent six atmospheric environment research satellites and a test communication satellite into orbit Saturday.

They were launched by a Long March-2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 4:00 p.m.

The six Yunhai-2 satellites will be used to study atmospheric environment, monitor space environment, prevent and reduce disasters, and conduct scientific experiments.a