China launched a new-generation ocean observation satellite into space on Thursday, marking the country's 53rd rocket launch this year.

The HY-3A satellite was launched atop a Long March 2C carrier rocket at 11:55 am from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. The satellite successfully reached its preset orbit shortly after liftoff.

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology in Beijing, the HY-3A is designed to monitor ocean colors and features world-class operational capability. It is equipped with a variety of advanced equipment, including a marine color and temperature scanner and a coastline imager.

The satellite is expected to work for at least eight years and will collaborate with the HY-1C and HY-1D satellites. Data obtained by the HY-1C and HY-1D satellites has been used in the monitoring and forecast of incidents such as green tide, typhoons, and oil spills, as well as in the mariculture sector.

Users of the new satellite include the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the China Meteorological Administration.

The Long March 2C rocket is 43 meters long and 3.35 meters wide, with a liftoff weight of 242.5 metric tons. The rocket is primarily used to deploy satellites to low-Earth and sun-synchronous orbits.

The mission was the 497th flight of the Long March rocket family, China's main launch vehicle fleet.