China launches new communication technology test satellite

A modified version of the Long March-7 rocket carrying a new communication technology test satellite blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, June 23, 2026. Launched at 10:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) aboard the rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

WENCHANG, Hainan, June 23 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday sent a new communication technology test satellite into space from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province.

Launched at 10:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) aboard a modified version of the Long March-7 rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit.

This satellite will be mainly used for services such as satellite communications, broadcasting and television, and data transmission, as well as for conducting related technology test verifications.

The launch marks the 653rd mission carried out by the Long March carrier rocket series.

A modified version of the Long March-7 rocket carrying a new communication technology test satellite blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, June 23, 2026. Launched at 10:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) aboard the rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

A modified version of the Long March-7 rocket carrying a new communication technology test satellite blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, June 23, 2026. Launched at 10:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) aboard the rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

A modified version of the Long March-7 rocket carrying a new communication technology test satellite blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, June 23, 2026. Launched at 10:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) aboard the rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

A modified version of the Long March-7 rocket carrying a new communication technology test satellite blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, June 23, 2026. Launched at 10:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) aboard the rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

This long-exposure photo shows a modified version of the Long March-7 rocket carrying a new communication technology test satellite blasting off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, June 23, 2026. Launched at 10:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) aboard the rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

A modified version of the Long March-7 rocket carrying a new communication technology test satellite blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, June 23, 2026. Launched at 10:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) aboard the rocket, the satellite has successfully entered its preset orbit. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)