"Tianlian I-02", China’s second data relay satellite heads towards space (Photo credit: Xinhua)
                                      

[July 12, Xichang, CMSE News] "Tianlian I-02", China's second data relay satellite was sent  into space successfully by a LongMarch 3C carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan province at 11:41 p.m. (Beijing Time), July 11, 2011.
                                   
After 26 minutes flight and successful separation from the rocket, data from Xi’an Satellite Control Center proved that the satellite was put into the geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) successfully.
                                               
Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the satellite is the country's second data relay satellite. Together with "Tianlian I-01" launched on April 25, 2008, the two satellites will form a network to offer data relay and TT&C for China's spacecrafts and planned space stations. They will also be in service for the nation's first space docking mission scheduled in the second half of 2011.
                                                 
It is the 140th mission of China's Long March series of rockets, which are developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.（Yanan）