JIUQUAN, Aug. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- China succeeded in launching its 21st return science and technology experimental satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Tuesday.

    The satellite was projected with a Long March-2III Rocket Carrier at 15:30; about 20 minutes after it took off, the satellite entered the preset orbit, marking the success of the launching.

    The satellite will be used to carry out scientific research, land surveying and mapping, and experiments in outer space. The Xi'an Satellite Measuring and Control Center will monitor the movements of the satellite.

    It has been the 86th launching of the Long March series rockets, and it is the 44th successful space launch by China since October 1996.

    In 1975, China launched its first return satellite from the Jiuquan base. Enditem