China Tianlian I-03 completes global network   

中国将正式建成第一代中继卫星系统 全球组网运行

中国第三颗地球同步轨道数据中继卫星“天链一号03星”25日夜间在西昌卫星发射中心成功发射。经过一段时间在轨验证和系统联调后，“天链一号03星”将与2008年发射的01星、2011年发射的02星实现全球组网运行，中国将由此正式建成第一代中继卫星系统。

Xichang (CNS) -- China's first data relay satellite network system has been completed with the smooth launch of the Tianlian I-03 satellite on its Long March-3C carrier rocket, which took place at 11:43 pm Wednesday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.

The first data relay satellite, the Tianlian I-01, was launched in April 2008, and the second in July 2011.

After in-orbit validation and system coordination procedures are carried out, the newly launched Tianlian I-03 will join its predecessors to realize global network operation.

The third satellite is designed to improve the network's coverage and provide China's spacecraft with measurement and control services, explained space experts.