XICHANG -- China sent a new communication technology test satellite into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan province early on Friday.

Launched at 12:47 am (Beijing Time) aboard a Long March 3B rocket, the satellite has entered its planned orbit successfully, the launch center said.

It will be used mainly to carry out multi-band and high-speed communication technology validation tests.

The launch was the 569th mission of the Long March carrier rocket series, according to the center.