A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying a new set of test satellites for internet technology blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 24, 2026. (Photo by Xu Lihao/Xinhua)

China successfully sent a new set of test satellites promoting internet technology into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern Sichuan Province on Friday.

The satellites were launched at 2:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket and have entered their preset orbits.

These satellites will be mainly used to carry out technology tests and verifications, including direct satellite-to-phone broadband connectivity and space-ground network integration.

Friday's launch was the 639th flight mission of the Long March series carrier rockets.