XICHANG -- China successfully sent a new experimental satellite for communication technology into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province on Tuesday.

The satellite was launched by a Long March 3B carrier rocket at 1:56 pm (Beijing Time) and has entered the planned orbit.

The satellite will be used for satellite communication, radio and television, data transmission and other services. It will also carry out related technology tests.

The launch marked the 549th mission of Long March series carrier rockets.