(Yicai Global) July 9 -- China sent two Pakistani payloads into space today, building on previous cooperation between the two nations in the sector.

The country launched the PRSS-1 remote sensing satellite and the PakTES-1A scientific experiment satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region using a Long March-2C rocket at around midday today Beijing time, state-backed Xinhua News Agency reported.

This successful launch marks the second time the countries have worked together in the field following the 2011 launch of the PAKSAT-1R communication satellite.

Pakistan will use PRSS-1, developed by China Academy of Space Technology, to survey the country's land and resources, undertake environmental protection measures, as well as monitor natural disasters and crop output. PakTES-1A will be mainly used in the satellite platform's technical identification.

The launch was performed in accordance with a contract jointly signed by China Great Wall Industry and Suparco of Pakistan on the delivery of PRSS-1. The event marked the 279th mission for the Long March series.

Editor: William Clegg