China launches communication satellite for Nigeria

China has sent a Nigerian communications satellite into orbit with its Long March-3B carrier rocket. It was launched from southwest Xichang Satellite Launch Center early Tuesday.

The satellite will provide communications, broadcast, Internet connection, remote education and navigation services to parts of Africa, Europe and Asia.

China will also provide monitoring and control services for the satellite and support its ground stations.

This is the third time China has provided satellite launching service for foreign users this year. The previous two were Pakistani communications satellites.