4th Data Satellite

China has successfully launched its fourth data satellite named Tianlian I-04. The satellite will join its three predecessors to achieve global network operation.

The satellite was launched on board of Long March-3C carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest Sichuan province.

Key Facts

• Tianlian I-04 has been developed by the china academy of space technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation .
• The satellite seeks to achieve global network operation that will provide data relay , measurement and control services for its manned spacecraft .
• The network will also offer data relay services for the country's medium - and low - earth orbiting resource satellites , control supports and measurement for spacecraft launches .

Background

• Tianlian I and CTDRS -1 is a Chinese data tracking and relay communication satellite series . Functionally , it is similar to US tracking and data relay satellite system .
• China had launched its first data relay satellite the Tianlian  I-01 , in April 2008 . The second and third relay satellites was launched in July 2011 and July 2012 respectively .