The launch took place at 1 p.m. Thursday at the state-operated Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, located at the border of Gansu province and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region in northwestern China, according to a company press release. Photo: VCG

The SQX-1 Y1 solid-fuel rocket stands on the launchpad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Photo: VCG

A rocket gets lifted onto the launchpad. Photo: VCG

A rocket takes off. Photo: VCG

The rocket’s exhaust trail begins to disperse in the sky. Photo: VCG

A rocket towers above the launch center. Photo: VCG