Muscat: China today launched a new internet technology test satellite into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province, southwestern China. The satellite was carried aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket and successfully entered its planned orbit.

According to Oman News Agency, the satellite is primarily intended for technical testing and verification of direct broadband connectivity between mobile phones and satellites, as well as integrated space-ground network technologies. This mission marked the 646th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets.