Tiantong-01 - China Launches First Mobile Telecom Satellite

China successfully launched the first satellite for its mobile telecommunications system on early Saturday. Satellite Tiantong-01 was launched with the Long March-3B carrier rocket at 00:22, Beijing Time, at southwest China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center. It is the first satellite for China’s satellite mobile telecom system, a key part of the country’s space information infrastructure. More geostationary satellites will be sent into the orbit for the system. Tiantong-01 was designed by the China Academy of Space Technology and its ground service will be operated by the China Telecom, which will set up a mobile network with ground facilities to provide services to China, the Middle East, Africa and other areas. Long March-3B carrier rocket was produced by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. It was the 232nd flight of the Long March series and the 36th launch of Long March-3B.