The much-anticipated X-ray Pulsar navigation satellite, which was built in China, was successfully launched on Thursday, according to China Satellite Navigation Office.

Branded as the XPNAV-1, the system was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology. It was officially launched at 7:42 a.m.

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The satellite was launched aboard a Long March 11 solid-fueled rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwestern China.

"The satellite operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit and will conduct in-orbit experiments using pulsar detectors to demonstrate new technologies," China Satellite Navigation Office said.

Shuai Ping, the chief system designer of the satellite, explained the concept being the XPNAV1.  He described it as "an innovative navigation technique in which the periodic X-rays signals" emitted from pulsars are used to determine the location of a spacecraft in deep space.

The satellite was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) Fifth Academy. It has two detectors and weighs in at 200 kgs.

The academy explained how the XPNAV-1 works and what is expected of it on this mission.

"The pulsar, born of supernova explosions, emits electromagnetic radiation on a regular basis," the academy explained. "In its mission, the satellite will test the detectors' functions in responding to the background noise of the universe, outline pulsar contours and create a database for pulsar navigation."

The academy also mentioned that the XPNAV-1 would assist in reducing the spacecraft's dependence on ground-based navigation methods, and it could lead to independent navigation in the future.

Tagschina, XPNAV-1, casc, Long March 11