China launches 21st Beidou navigation satellite

A Long March-3C carrier rocket carrying the 21st satellite for the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System lifts off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center,southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 1, 2016. China launched a new-generation satellite into orbit that will support its global navigation and positioning network at 3:29 p.m. Beijing Time Monday. (Xinhua/Xue Yubin)

XICHANG, Sichuan Province, Feb. 1 -- China launched a new-generation satellite into orbit that will support its global navigation and positioning network at 3:29 p.m. Beijing Time Monday.

Launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, the satellite was boosted by a Long March-3C carrier rocket. It is the 21st satellite for the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, putting China one step closer to providing an alternative to the U.S.-operated GPS.