China will launch a small scientific experimental satellite sometime between Nov. 18 to 20 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, a Chinese aerospace expert said on Nov. 17.

    "All preparatory work is going smoothly," said the unidentified source with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.     

    The satellite will be launched by a Long-March 2-C carrier rocket to a sun synchronous orbit 700 kilometers above the earth. The launch aims to test the technology of the satellite and conduct survey and monitoring of the land and resources and geographical environment on a trial basis.

    Named "Experimental Satellite No. 2," the satellite was developed by the Dongfanghong Satellite Company established by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and another Chinese space technology company.