China successfully launches 4th data relay satellite

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The Tianlian I-04, China’s fourth data relay satellite, was successfully launched on Tuesday night with the aim of providing support to the country’s future space endeavors and facilitating data transfer and communication between space launches and the ground, as China soars high with its ambitious space program.

The satellite was launched on a Long March-3C carrier rocket at 11:24 p.m. BJT from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the satellite will join its three predecessors to achieve global network operation.

The Tianlian I-04 satellite is launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 22, 2016. / Photo: Xinhua

The network is expected to provide data relay, measurement and control services for China's manned spacecraft, space labs and space stations, according to the center.

The network will also offer data relay services for the country's medium- and low-Earth orbiting resources satellites, as well as measurement and control support for spacecraft launches.

The Tianlian I-04 satellite is launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 22, 2016. / Photo: Chinanews

China launched its first data relay satellite, the Tianlian I-01, in April 2008. The second blasted off in July 2011, while the third lifted off in July 2012.

The launch of the Tianlian I-04 marked the 241st mission of China's Long March series of rockets.

Since China's first experimental communications satellite was launched in the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in 1984, the center has sent more than 100 spacecraft into space, including over 20 BeiDou navigation satellites and the country's first lunar probe, Chang'e-1.

According to the center, 10 or more satellites will be launched from there in 2017.

(Adapted from a story published by Xinhua News Agency)

1868km