Zhongxing-18 (Chinasat-18)
Long March 3B/E
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Mission
Zhongxing-18 (Chinasat-18)
Type: Communications
Zhongxing-18 (Chinasat-18) is a Chinese communications satellite based upon a DFH-4E bus.
The Chinasat-18 provides Ku commercial communications services with 30 Ku-band transponders, Ka broadband communication services with 14 Ka-band MSS spot user beams and exploring Ka-band broadcasting services with 2 Ka BSS-band transponders within the service coverage areas.
Location
Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)
Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China
180 rockets have launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China.
Rocket
Long March 3B/E – China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Family: Long March 3
Length: 56.3 m
Diameter: 3.35 m
Launch Mass: 456 T
Low Earth Orbit Capacity: 12000 kg
The Long March 3B/E was manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation with the first launch on 2007-05-13. Long March 3B/E has 47 successful launches and 1 failed launches with a total of 48 launches. 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.
Agency
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Type: Government
Abbreviation: CASC
Administration: Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei
Founded: 1999
Launchers: Long March
Country: CHN
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
