China’s space program advances with launch of new data relay satellite
China launched a new data relay satellite, Chinese state media reported on Tuesday.
The rocket carrying the "Tianlian I-02" satellite blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province late on Monday, CCTV reported. The satellite was carried into space on board a Long March-3C carrier rocket, Xinhua state agency reported.
The satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the agency reported. The satellite will be used to relay data to China's spacecraft and planned space stations, Xinhua reported.
China has announced plans to launch the Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-8 spacecraft later this year.
The two modules - the size of a train carriage - will dock together.
The satellite will help with communications during China's first space docking.
While the United States is still working out its next move after their space shuttle programme came to an end recently, China is forging ahead. Some experts worry the U.S. could slip behind China in human spaceflight - the realm of space science with the most prestige.
The rocket carrying the "Tianlian I-02" satellite blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province late on Monday, CCTV reported. The satellite was carried into space on board a Long March-3C carrier rocket, Xinhua state agency reported.
The satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the agency reported. The satellite will be used to relay data to China's spacecraft and planned space stations, Xinhua reported.
China has announced plans to launch the Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-8 spacecraft later this year.
The two modules - the size of a train carriage - will dock together.
The satellite will help with communications during China's first space docking.
While the United States is still working out its next move after their space shuttle programme came to an end recently, China is forging ahead. Some experts worry the U.S. could slip behind China in human spaceflight - the realm of space science with the most prestige.
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