China launches new rocket with four micro-satellites

Beijing: China on Friday put four micro-satellites into orbit, launched atop a new version of its long established Long March-11 carrier rocket.

The new model of the carrier rocket was fired at 9.41 a.m. (local time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gansu province, Xinhua news agency quoted China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology statement as saying.

The successful launch marked a major breakthrough for the nation in key technology for solid propellant rockets, the statement said.

The launch was the 211th mission for the Long March rocket family.