China launches 3rd satellite in its global data network

China launches a rocket. (Photo/Xinhua)

China successfully launched the Tianlian I-03 satellite Wednesday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province, completing the country's first data relay satellite network system.
The satellite was launched on a Long March-3C carrier rocket at 11:43pm local time, according to sources with the center.
Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the satellite will join its two predecessors to realize global network operation after in-orbit validation and system coordination procedures are carried out.
The first data relay satellite, the Tianlian I-01, was launched in April 2008, and the second was launched in July 2011.


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