China satellite aborts mission after 'malfunction'

An "experimental" satellite launched by China failed to reach its designated orbit after its rocket malfunctioned, according to state media. Orbiter SJ-11-04, which was propelled by a Long March II-C rocket, was launched on Thursday but was unable to complete its mission "due to a malfunction of the rocket", the official Xinhua news agency said. The report said the satellite was an "experimental orbiter" but did not disclose further details. More

(Source: AFP - Aug 20)