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BEIJING (PTI): China has launched a satellite to complete the country's first data relay satellite network that has assisted in space docking missions.

China successfully launched the Tianlian I-03 satellite from a launch centre in Sichuan province.

Tianlian I-03 is the third in a series of satellites and marks the completion of the country's first data relay satellite network, Xinhua news agency reported.

The satellite was launched on a Long March-3C carrier rocket at 11:43 p m last night (Beijing Time).

Together the three satellites that are in orbit now complete the system following validation and system coordination procedures.

The third satellite is expected to improve the network's coverage in providing measurement and control services for China's manned spacecraft and planned space labs and stations.

It will also offer data relay services for the medium- and low-Earth orbits as well as measurement and control support for spacecraft launches.

The two-satellite network had previously played a key role in assisting China's space docking missions.