China sent a new data relay satellite into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province early Tuesday morning.

The Tianlian II-02 satellite was launched at 0:09 a.m. Beijing Time by a Long March-3B carrier rocket.

It was the 401st flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.

Developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Tianlian II-02 is the country's second-generation data relay satellite, which will be tasked with relaying data for spaceships, space labs, and its future space station.

It will also offer data relay services for low- and mid-orbiting satellites and will be used to track and monitor spacecraft launches.