The new-generation SinoSat-2 satellite, launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, is designed to serve broadcast TV, digital TV, and digital broadband multimedia systems on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

The satellite split off from the rocket about 25 minutes after lift-off and then successfully entered geosynchronous transfer orbit. Its orbit will be adjusted several times by commanders on the ground until it is positioned above the equator at 92.2 east longitude.

SinoSat-2, developed and manufactured mainly by the China Academy of Space Technology, weighs about 5.1 tons and has 22 transponders. It has a designed lifespan of 15 years, including 12 years of in-orbit service life.

A Sino Satellite Communications Co Ltd official said SinoSat-2 will greatly help China tap the international spaceflight market, improve the capacity, safety and reliability of China's information broadcasts and assist in live TV broadcasts.

Earlier this month, Sun Laiyan, chief of the China National Space Administration, said that the satellite would enable every rural household to receive TV signals using a small dish, thereby bringing educational programs and even remote medical services to farmers.

Industrial sources said the launch was a milestone for the communications sector and would most probably speed up the reform of China's satellite TV service by prompting the abolition of a 13-year-old regulation banning individuals from setting up satellite dishes.