The first satellite in the network, Tiantong 1-01, was lifted in August 2016 and is working in a geosynchronous orbit.

Based on the DFH-4 satellite framework, the Tiantong 1-02 has better design and higher flexibility than its predecessor. It is tasked with providing all-weather, all-time, stable and reliable mobile communication services to users in China and its surrounding areas, the Middle East and Africa, as well as most sea areas in the Pacific and Indian oceans, the company said.

The Long March 3B rocket used in Friday's launch featured improvements on its fuel containers and third-stage engines, designers from the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology said.