China launches new communication satellite

A Long March-3C rocket carrying the ChinaSat 1C satellite blasts off at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec 10, 2015. The satellite, developed by China Academy of Space Technology, will provide radio, TV transmission and broadband services for the country's radio stations, TV stations, radio transmitting stations and cable networks. [Photo/Xinhua]

XICHANG - China on Thursday morning put a new communication satellite into orbit from the southwestern Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

The "ChinaSat 1C" satellite was launched at 0:46 a.m. and carried by the Long March-3B carrier rocket. It will provide high-quality voice, data and radio and TV transmission services.

The satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology and is owned by China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd.

Thursday's launch is the 220th mission of the Long March carrier rocket series developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.