A Long March-4C rocket carrying the first group of China's Yaogan-31 remote sensing satellites and a micro nano technology experiment satellite is launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, April 10, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Jiangbo)

The first group of China's Yaogan-31 remote sensing satellites were sent into space on Tuesday at 12:25 p.m. Beijing time from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.

The satellites were carried by a Long March-4C rocket, the 271st mission for the Long March rocket family.

The mission also sent a micro nano technology experiment satellite into orbit.

The satellites will be used for electromagnetic environment surveys and other related technology tests.

China launched the first "Yaogan" series satellite, Yaogan-1, in 2006.