China launches satellite for 'space environment detection'

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China launched a new satellite into space on Wednesday to run scientific experiments, according to local media.

The satellite was sent into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.

It launched the Tianxing-1 test satellite on a Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket at 10.00 a.m. (0200GMT), the state-run Xinhua News reported, adding that the spacecraft had entered its planned orbit.

The satellite will mainly be used for experiments such as "space environment detection."

It was the 15th flight mission for the Kuaizhou-1A rocket class, which has been in operation since 2013.