LAUNCH CENTER

Success

Thu Sep 09 2021

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

ChinaSat 9B

Launch Successful

LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

(11:50 AM UTC)

Launch Window Start

(11:39 AM UTC)

Launch Window End

(12:09 PM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

Long March 3B/E

Description:

The Long March 3B / E (G2) (CZ-3B / E) is one of the most successful medium-range launchers and the strongest variant of the CZ-3 series. It was specially developed for the transport of heavy communications satellites into a geostationary transfer orbit. The additional designation "E" stands for a higher payload fairing, stretched boosters and extended fuel tanks at the first stage, over the CZ-3B.

MISSION OVERVIEW

Type: Communications
Zhongxing-9B (ChinaSat 9B) is a Chinese communications satellite, that will replace the Zhongxing-9A satellite in orbit. The latter was launched in 2017, but the CZ-3B launch vehicle suffered a partial failure, and the satellite had to burn a large amount of fuel to reach its nominal orbit. ZX-9B will be used to retransmit television to the Chinese, as well as to provide television communications with Chinese islands, and ships sailing near the coast. The satellite will also be used to broadcast the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in 8K.

COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Pad

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)