Shijian-8: China launches satellite for super fruit and vegetables

BEIJING: China reportedly launched a satellite carrying fruit and vegetable on Saturday as part of a plan to help develop space-enhanced produce to feed the country's 1.3 billion people.             

The Shijian-8, a recoverable satellite, was launched aboard a Long March 2C rocket for a mission that will expose 2,000 seeds from nine different categories to cosmic radiation and micro-gravity.           

The satellite had successfully entered orbit and would be conducting a range of space experiments. The data gathered aboard the "seed satellite" will enable scientists to try to cultivate high-yield and high-quality plants, China National Space Administration informed.             

China has been experimenting with space-bred seeds for many years, with rice and wheat exposed to space later offering increased yields.             

The satellite, the first dedicated specifically to seeds, was the 23rd recoverable satellite launched by China.

China's space seed experiments come as the nation seeks ways to feed its population amid a rapid decline in farming land due to swift industrialization.