China launched a pair of communication technology test satellites from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province on July 30.

A modified Long March-6 carrier rocket lifted off at 9 a.m. carrying the satellites, successfully placing them into their preset orbits.

The satellites will be mainly used for services including satellite communications, broadcasting and television, and data transmission. They will also carry out related technology tests and verification.

Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the rocket is the new-generation medium-lift launch vehicle that supports diverse high-density launch requirements. It is able to send at least 4.5 tonnes of payloads to a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers.

The launch marks the 660th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.