China successfully launches research satellite

China successfully sent a scientific research satellite into space on Thursday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China's Gansu Province.

The Long March 2C rocket, carrying "Shijian XI-01," a scientific  researchsatellite, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch  Center on Thursday, November 12, 2009. [Photo: Xinhua]

Xinhua News Agency reported that the satellite, "Shijian XI-01," was carried by a Chinese-made Long March 2C rocket.

China's Shijian, or Practice, series of satellites are specifically designed for scientific research.