China successfully sent nine satellites into orbit aboard a Long March-2C rocket on Thursday from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The Geely-01 constellation consisting of nine satellites lifted off at 12:00 p.m. Beijing Time and entered the preset orbit.

The satellites constellation will serve the future travel services of intelligent connected vehicles and mobile phone-satellite interaction. It will also provide data support for marine environmental protection.

The constellation is owned by GeeSpace, a subsidiary of Geely Technology Group.

This is the fourth launch of the Long March 2C rocket series this year, which is developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. The launch has also set a new record of Long March-2C rocket with the most satellites in a single mission.

This was the 422nd flight mission of the Long March rocket series.