China has successfully launched a new communications satellite Zhongxing-2C, also known as Chinasat-2C, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre.

This is China’s 13th launch this year and is likely to be used for military applications.

Similar satellites launched in the past were designed for secure military communications.

According to Xinhua news agency, the satellite aims to provide radio, TV transmission and broadband services for the country’s radio, TV and radio transmitting stations and cable networks.

The satellite was launched by a Long March 3B carrier rocket. It was the 216th flight of the Long March series developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

"This is China’s 13th launch this year and is likely to be used for military applications."

China Academy of Space Technology developed Zhongxing-2C, which is owned by China Satellite Communications.

Zhongxing-2C is the second satellite of the second generation Shentong geostationary military communication satellites.

In 2012, China launched Zhongxing-2A (Chinasat-2A) using a Long March 3B. It was the first of a second generation DFH-4 based Shentong-2 satellite in operation.

In October, China successfully sent its third mapping satellite of the Tianhui-1 series into orbit, to support the country’s scientific research and mapping and disaster relief efforts.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp developed and produced the satellite, which is the third in the Tianhui-1 series.

The National Space Science Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is planning to launch a series of scientific satellites over the next year.

The programme includes one satellite to probe the dark matter.