China successfully launched a new communication satellite, Zhongxing-1A, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest Sichuan Province early Monday.
The satellite, lifted by a Long March-3B rocket carrier, blasted off from the center at 0:33 a.m. and successfully entered the preset orbit, sources with the center said.
Zhongxing-1A was designed and manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.
The satellite will provide high-quality voice communication, broadcast and data transmission services for users across China.
The launch was the 146th mission for the Long March carrier rocket series.
(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2011) |