China launches first mobile telecom satellite

China on Saturday successfully launched the first satellite for mobile telecommunication. The Tiantong-01 satellite was launched at 00:22 am local time at southwestern China's Xichang Satellite Launch Centre with the Long March-3B carrier rocket. 

It will establish a mobile network with ground facilities, providing services for China, the Middle East, Africa and other areas, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. It is the first satellite of China's home-made satellite mobile telecom system, and a key part of the country's space information infrastructure. More geostationary satellites will be sent into orbit for the system.

Tiantong-01 was designed by China Academy of Space Technology and its ground service will be operated by China Telecom. The Long March-3B carrier rocket was produced by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. It was the 232nd flight of the Long March series carrier rockets, and the 36th launch of the Long March-3B.

#BREAKING: China on Sat successfully launches first #satellite for mobile telecommunication at SW #China’s Xichang pic.twitter.com/UZ7Rn53319

— People's Daily,China (@PDChina) August 5, 2016

China has successfully launched the first satellite of the country's home-made satellite mobile telecom system. pic.twitter.com/08pODbX1ra

— CCTV (@CCTV) August 6, 2016