China launches communication technology test satellite

China sent a new communication technology test satellite Saturday into space from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province.

Launched at 20:30 (Beijing Time) aboard a Long March-5 rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its planned orbit.

It will be mainly used to carry out multi-band and high-speed communication technology validation tests.

The launch marks the 618th mission by the Long March carrier rocket series.