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Launch SuccessfulChina Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Long March 3B: ChinaSat 9B

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.

Thursday, 9 September 2021
Long March 3B: ChinaSat 9B

Mission Data

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
🇨🇳China Aerospace Science and Technology CorporationEst. 1999
Launch VehicleLong March 3B/E
Vehicle FamilyLong March
Vehicle Record76 of 78 launches (97.4%)
Provider TypeGovernment
Agency Record606 successes / 16 failures (97%)
Success Streak13 consecutive
Mission TypeCommunications
Target OrbitGeostationary Transfer Orbit
Launch PadLaunch Complex 2 (LC-2)
Location🇨🇳 Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China CHN
Orbital Launches This Year#87
Agency Launches This Year#31
Launches From This Pad126
Launches From This Site243
Status Note

The launch vehicle successfully inserted its payload(s) into the target orbit(s).

About Long March 3B/E

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.

Launch updates

  1. Launch success.

    Source ↗
  2. Added launch per NOTAMs.

    Source ↗

Launch Site

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) · 28.2455°N 102.0268°E

Launch data from Launch Library 2 by The Space Devs.