Via a launch of its Long March 3B/G2 (2) Improved (CZ-3B/G2 (2) Improved) rocket, China put its new Chinasat-6E (Zhongxing-6E) communications satellite into orbit from Xichang launch site in China. The launch occurred at 1123 GMT on 9 November. The spacecraft was injected into an inclined Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from where it will circularise itself into its operational position over 114.4 degrees East in the near zero inclination geostationary arc. The 5,500 kg satellite replaces Chinasat-6B and will provide C- and Ku-band broadcast services to China and South East Asia.
The Long March 3B has been slightly upgraded to carry 5,500 kg mass satellites – an increase of 500 kg. The satellite itself uses the CAST-built DFH-4E bus design.
