The sixth orbiter into space, as part of its satellite navigation and positioning network known as Beidou, or Compass system, is launched on the Long March-3C carrier rocket at Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 1, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)

China early Monday morning successfully launched its sixth orbiter which will form part of its indigenous satellite-navigation and -positioning network.

A Long March-3C carrier rocket carrying the "Beidou," or Compass, navigation satellite took off at 0:26 a.m. Monday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

It will join five other satellites already in orbit to form a network which will eventually consist of 35 satellites.

The network will provide satellite navigation services for Asia-Pacific regions by 2012 and global services by 2020.

The China Academy of Space Technology developed the satellite and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology developed the carrier rocket.