JIUQUAN, Gansu - China launched an experimental orbiter into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China's Gansu province on Friday.

The SJ-11-02 orbiter was sent into space at 3:42 pm by a Long March II-C carrier rocket, according to the launch center. The orbiter belongs to the country's Shijian satellite family.

The orbiter, developed by China Space Co, Ltd. under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, will be used to conduct scientific experiments in space, the company said.

The launch marked the 142nd flight for the Long March rocket family.