Doha: China successfully launched a new data transmission satellite into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The Tianlian II-04 satellite was launched aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket and entered its planned orbit.

According to Qatar News Agency, the satellite will provide data transmission, telemetry, tracking, and control services for manned spacecraft such as spacecraft and space stations, and for resource monitoring satellites in medium-Earth orbit and low-Earth orbit. It will also provide telemetry, tracking, and control support for spacecraft launch operations.

This launch marks the 565th mission for the Long March carrier rocket series. The 564th mission of the Long March rocket series was launched on March 15, carrying a remote sensing satellite aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.