Posted: Sat, Feb 13, 2021, 11:26 AM ET (1626 GMT)

China launched what it called an experimental communications satellite Feb. 4. A Long March 3B rocket lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 10:36 am EST (1536 GMT) carrying the TJSW-6 spacecraft, which was placed in a geostationary transfer orbit. Official Chinese media said the satellite will be used for experimental communications, including radio, television and data. Some observers, though, speculate the satellite may be part of a missile early warning program.