China is ready to launch two satellites on April 18 and 20 for scientific purpose.

The two satellites are called "Experiment I" and "Naxing I" and will be carried to space by a Long March II C carrier rocket from the Xichang Space Launch Center, according to experts with the Harbin Industrial University and Tsinghua University.

The satellites will be used for scientific purposes, including flight demonstration for developing small-sized satellites and observation of the earth. The preparation was going smoothly, said the experts.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2004)