XICHANG, Feb. 20 (China Space News) -- China sent four new technology experiment satellites into planned orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province Thursday.

The satellites, launched by a Long March-2D carrier rocket at 5:07 a.m. (Beijing Time), will be mainly used for the new Earth-observation technology experiment.

The carrier rocket and two of the satellites were developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the other two satellites were respectively developed by the Harbin Institute of Technology and the DFH Satellite Co. Ltd.

The Thursday launch came at a time when the country is fighting against novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

To ensure both a successful launch and efficient epidemic control, CASC  satellite and rocket teams have adopted strict quarantine for personnel and disinfection of dormitories and vehicles. All members of the teams volunteered to cut short their holiday and stayed under quarantine in the base to ensure the success of the launch.

Thursday's launch was the 326th mission of the Long March rocket series.