China sends new satellite into space

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – China launched a new data-relaying satellite into space on Tuesday night.

Aboard indigenously-built Long March 3C rocket, the satellite, Tianlian I-05, was launched into a preset orbit from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan province, public broadcaster CGTN reported.

This was 378th flight mission of the Long March rocket series.

The satellite will provide data relay, measurement and control services for China's manned spacecraft, space labs and space stations, the report said.

China started Tianlian I relay satellite system project in 2003 and the first such satellite, Tianlian I-01, was launched five years later in 2008.

Later, Tianlian I-02, -03 and -04 satellites were launched in 2011, 2012, and 2016 respectively.