China's launch of new carrier rockets settled

According to a CASC statement, the academy will be responsible for the launch of 15 space missions this year, covering manned space projects, China's satellite navigation system and satellites for civilian and commercial uses.

A Long March-3B rocket Saturday carried a Belarusian telecom satellite into intended orbit from southwest China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center. This was China's first orbital mission of 2016 and the 223rd launch of the Long March series.

The CASC said it will publish pertinent specifications of the Long March carrier rockets online soon so that international clients interested in China's launch services can adjust their satellites to be compatible.

Saturday's mission marked the first time China had launched a satellite for a European country.

"The successful launch of the Belarusian satellite will boost the Chinese aerospace industry's global competitive power and pave the way for the export of Chinese satellites, rockets and space equipment," said Wu Yanhua, vice head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence.

China has successfully completed 43 launch missions for more than 20 countries, regions and international satellite organizations since 1990.