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Imagery Captured:
October 4, 2003

An October 4 snapshot taken by Space Imaging's Ikonos satellite records Chinese launch preparations at the Jiuquan complex. Contrasted to an earlier September 29 Ikonos image, this newer photo shows movement of the launch pad tower exposing the Long March rocket's exhaust tunnel. The image has been rotated so the buildings are up. Also take note of a neighboring and comparable launch pad.