China has successfully sent 20 micro-satellites into space with the help of its latest rocket carrier Long March-6, from the launch pad of Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in the Shanxi province.

The rocket carrier will boost China’s position in the worldwide satellite launch sector.

Officials at China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation have stated that the 29.3m-high rocket runs on liquid propellant made from liquid oxygen and kerosene.

The rocket also happens to be the first carrier in China that uses non-toxic and pollution-free fuels, which is considered to be more cost-effective.

"The new model will also significantly improve our ability to access space."

Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation’s designer-in-chief Zhang Weidong was quoted by PTI as saying: "Loading, testing and positioning were finished when the Long March-6 rocket was at a horizontal position, before it was lifted to an upright position for launching.

"We believe it will greatly boost the competitiveness of Chinese carrier rockets in the international market. The new model will also significantly improve our ability to access space."

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This rocket will primarily be used for launching micro-satellites in future. The recent launch by China has been used to experiment with the viability and accuracy of Long March-6’s design, as well as other new technologies.

China launched its first satellite, Dong Fang Hong 1 or the East is Red, using a Long March 1 rocket in 1970. This latest rocket is the 210th mission by the Long March rocket family.

Currently, China is engaged in a number of space missions, including building its own satellite navigation system, Beidu, and constructing a space station that is expected to be finished in 2022.

The country successfully completed its first unmanned return mission to the moon last year, after landing a rover named Yutu there in 2013.