China has successfully sent into space a scientific research satellite at 9:39 a.m. Tuesday from northwest China's Gansu Province. The satellite "Shijian XII," sent from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center of Gansu Province, was carried by the China-developed Long March 2D rocket.

Sources with the launch center said the satellite was designed for carrying out scientific and technological experiments including space environment probe, measurement and communications.

"Shijian XII" was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a research institution affiliated to state-run China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

China produced its first Long March rocket in 1970. Tuesday marks the 125th flight of Long March rockets.

"Shijian" means practice.