China successfully launches 2nd generation data relay satellite
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China successfully launched the first of its new-generation data relay satellites into orbit that will provide data relay, measurement &control services for its manned spacecraft. The Tianlian II-01 satellite was launched by a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province Sunday night. China launched its first data relay satellite, the Tianlian I-01, in April 2008.