China launches 1st data-relay satellite

China has launched its first data relay satellite. "Tianlian One" was launched on a Long March 3C carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

At 11:35 pm local time, the Long March-3C carrier rocket sent the satellite into space. 25 minutes later, the satellite separated from the rocket and entered into its transfer orbit.

Developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Tianlian One is China's first ever data relay communications satellite. It will be used to track and communicate with manned Shenzhou spacecraft in low orbit around the Earth.

According to Zhang Jianqi, China's top space programs official, the satellite will increase the time the Shenzhou Seven spaceship can stay in communication with the ground, and improve the amount of data that can be transferred.

Zhang Jianqi of China's manned Space Programs said, "The launch for Tianlian One is very important because it can cover around half of the spacecraft's trajectory, compared to the 12 percent which can be covered by China's fleet of tracking ships and ground observation stations."

With the help of the satellite, scientists can now collect more scientific data with less delay, and can be alerted sooner if there's a problem on one of the spaceships.

The launch is the 105th mission of China's Long March series of rockets, and the first mission of the Long March-3C carrier rocket.