The Yaogan XV remote-sensing satellite was successfully launched on Tuesday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province, according to a press release from the center.

The satellite was launched at 3:31 p.m. on the back of a Long March 4B carrier rocket, according to the center.

The satellite will be used to conduct scientific experiments, carry out land surveys, monitor crop yields and aid in reducing and preventing natural disasters.

The Long March 4B carrier rocket was produced by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Tuesday's launch marked the 164th mission for the Long March rocket family.

(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2012)