China has launched a Long March 3B (CZ-3B) rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 1536 GMT, 4 February. There was some uncertainty regarding the payload however it is now believed to be the re-flight of TJSW-6 (XJY-6) which was destroyed in March last year during the first launch of the Long March 7A.
The spacecraft is described as an “communication technology test satellite” in China. Sources that identify SAST as the builder of this satellite indicate that in fact this payload may have an early-warning/missile detection role similar to the previously launched TJSW-2 and -5. This mission is comparable to the American SBIRS satellites.
