China has successfully launched a new data relay satellite into its orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province, southwestern China. According to the People's Daily Online, the satellite, named "Tianlian II-04," was launched aboard a "Long March-3B" carrier rocket and successfully reached its planned orbit.
"Tianlian II-04" is part of the second generation of Chinese data relay satellites in geostationary orbit. The satellite will provide data relay, telemetry, tracking, and control services for manned space missions such as spacecraft and space stations, as well as for resource monitoring satellites in medium and low Earth orbits. It will support the necessary telemetry, tracking, and control services for spacecraft launch operations.