China successfully launched a new communication technology test satellite into space early Friday, marking another milestone in its rapidly advancing space program.

The satellite was launched at 12:47 a.m. Beijing Time from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket, the center confirmed.

According to officials, the satellite entered its planned orbit successfully and will be used primarily for multi-band and high-speed communication technology validation tests. These tests are expected to play a key role in developing China’s next-generation satellite communication systems.

Friday’s launch marked the 569th mission of the Long March rocket series, a cornerstone of China’s space endeavors, which has seen a surge in both frequency and complexity of launches in recent years.

China has steadily increased its focus on space-based communication infrastructure as part of its broader push for technological self-reliance and global competitiveness in the aerospace sector. (ILKHA)