A Long March-3B carrier rocket lifts off at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 20, 2011 with the Nigerian communication satellite. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

....with its Long March-3B carrier rocket from southwest Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 00:41 Beijing Time on Tuesday. The satellite, produced by China Academy of Space Technology, will provide communication, 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. It was the third time China provided satellite launch service for foreign users this year, following the successful launch of two Pakistani communication satellites. China plans to launch four to five satellites for foreign users in 2012.