Zhongxing-6B Launched
Zhongxing-6B (Chinasat-6B), a French-built communications satellite, had a nice launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center last week.
Via Xinhua:
The satellite was lifted by a Chinese Long March-3B carrier rocket which blasted off at 8:08 p.m. (Beijing Time) Thursday. It was the 101st launch mission for the Long March series of carrier rockets.
The satellite separated from the rocket 26 minutes after lift-off, entering its preset orbit.
"Chinasat 6B", manufactured by France’s Alcatel Alenia Space, has a designed lifespan of 15 years.
Fitted with 38 transponders, the satellite is expected to improve telecommunications transmission for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania.