ANKARA

China on Tuesday said it has sent a new experimental satellite for communication technology into space.

The satellite was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province, state-run Xinhua News reported.

It will be used for satellite communication, radio and television, data transmission and other services, aside from carrying related technology tests.

The latest launch marked the 549th mission of Beijing’s Long March series carrier rockets.

With the fresh launch, the Long March-3B carrier rocket has accomplished a total of 100 space launches, a new record for the country's single-type rocket.

The rocket took 28 years from its first flight in 1996 to the completion of 100 space launches.