ChinaSat 9A
| Names | ZX-9A |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communications |
| Operator | China Satellite Communications |
| COSPAR ID | 2017-035A |
| SATCAT no. | 42763 |
| Mission duration | 15 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | DFH-4 |
| Manufacturer | China Association for Science and Technology |
| Launch mass | 5,100 kg (11,200 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 18 June 2017, 16:10 UTC[1] |
| Rocket | Long March 3B |
| Launch site | Xichang, LA-2 |
| Contractor | China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geostationary orbit |
| Longitude | 101.4° East |
| Transponders | |
| Coverage area | China |
ChinaSat 9A (中星9A) was a Chinese communications satellite operated by China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd. (China Satcom).
History
ChinaSat 9A, originally developed by Sino Satellite Communications Co., Ltd. (SinoSat) and named SinoSat 4 (鑫诺四号), was a replacement for SinoSat 2, which experienced a post-launch malfunction.[2] Its launch was originally scheduled for late 2008 but was later postponed.[3] In 2010, the satellite was handed over to China Satcom and renamed ChinaSat 9A. Its launch was also further delayed.[4]
Launch
ChinaSat 9A was launched at 00:10 on 19 June 2017 (UTC+8) from Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 3B launch vehicle.[5] A malfunction with the third stage of the rocket during the launch process led to a flight attitude anomaly, preventing the satellite from entering geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). It successfully entered geostationary orbit (GEO) later using autonomous orbit maneuvers; however, it was predicted that this attitude control error would lead to a reduction in on-orbit lifespan of ten years.[6]
References
- ^ "Zhongxing-9A Comsat lifts off atop Chinese Long March 3B, Launch Outcome Unclear". Spaceflight101. 18 June 2017.
- ^ "后续卫星 (Follow-On Satellites)". 鑫诺卫星通信有限公司 (Sino Satellite Communications Co., Ltd.). Archived from the original on 2 February 2011.
- ^ "中国直播卫星有限公司亮相今明两年发射两颗卫星 小型天线可望接收电视节目". 搜狐新闻 (Sohu News). 31 March 2007. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
- ^ "Sinosat 2, 4 (Xinnuo 2, 4) / ZX 9A (ChinaSat 9A)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
- ^ "中星9A广播电视直播卫星发射异常 未进预定轨道". news.ifeng.com. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
- ^ 中時新聞網 (23 June 2017). "操作失誤！陸衛星發射失敗 壽命減10年 - 兩岸". 中時新聞網 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 28 September 2025.