China launches communication test satellites into medium-Earth orbit
China successfully launched two experimental communication satellites, Smart SkyNet 1A and 1B, into medium-Earth orbit using a Long March 3B carrier rocket. The launch took place at 9:43 am from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. This event marks the 21st space launch in China this year and the 521st flight in the Long March rocket series. The satellites, developed by