NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

SinoSat 2

Launch Time
Sat Oct 28, 2006 16:20 UTC

Satellite failed to deploy its solar panels after launch.

Rocket

Long March 3B
Image Credit: CASC
CASC
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 5,924 kN
Payload to LEO: 11,500 kg
Payload to GTO: 5,100 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 4
Rocket Height: 54.84 m
Fairing Diameter: 4.0 m
Fairing Height: 9.56 m

Mission Details

SinoSat 2

In response to the growing demand of the regional market, Sinosat was adding a new member, Xinnuo 2 (Sinosat 2), to its fleet of satellites. With 24 Ku-band transponders on board, Sinosat-2 was the first spacecraft based on the Chinese high-power satellite platform, known as DFH-4.

To ensure the time schedule and performance requirements, the telecommunication payload of the Sinosat-2 payload was imported from Alcatel.

Sinosat-2 was to be delivered in the first half of 2005. Launched in October 2006, the lifetime of Sinosat-2 was to be 15 years. The new satellite will serve the need for TV broadcasting, DirectPC, and broadband multimedia systems in China as well as the neighboring areas.

Reportedly the satellite failed to deploy its solar arrays after reaching geostationary orbit.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 5,100.0 kg
Geostationary Transfer Orbit

Location

LC-2, Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China

Stats

2006

51st orbital launch attempt

Long March 3

30th mission
2nd mission of 2006
25th successful mission
16th consecutive successful mission