INTELSAT 708
Long March 3B
China Aerospace Corporation
Mission
INTELSAT 708
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Geostationary Orbit
- Launch Cost: $70,000,000
Geostationary communications satellite
Guidance platform short-circuited right at liftoff, leading to loss of attitude control. The vehicle hit the ground at T+23 seconds and exploded, killing at least 6 people on the ground.
Location
Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)
Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) has witnessed the launch of 124 rockets, including 124 orbital launch attempts. While Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China, has been the site for 237 rocket launches.
The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is a spaceport in China. It is located in Zeyuan Town, northwest of Xichang, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan.
Rocket
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B
The Long March 3B is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket. Introduced in 1996, it is launched from Launch Area 2 and 3 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan. A three-stage rocket with four strap-on liquid rocket boosters, it is currently the most powerful member of the Long March rocket family and the heaviest of the Long March 3 rocket family, and is mainly used to place communications satellites into geosynchronous orbits.
Agency
China Aerospace Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Long March 3B launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Corporation Long March 3B launch carrying the INTELSAT 708 mission was scheduled for:
.
Where did the Long March 3B launch from?
The China Aerospace Corporation Long March 3B rocket launched from Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China. The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is a spaceport in China. It is located in Zeyuan Town, northwest of Xichang, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan.
What rocket was used for the INTELSAT 708 mission?
The INTELSAT 708 mission launched aboard a China Aerospace Corporation Long March 3B rocket. The Long March 3B is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket. Introduced in 1996, it is launched from Launch Area 2 and 3 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan. A three-stage rocket with four strap-on liquid rocket boosters, it is currently the most powerful member of the Long March rocket family and the heaviest of the Long March 3 rocket family, and is mainly used to place communications satellites into geosynchronous orbits. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed this launch?
The Long March 3B launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official live streams for the most immediate range updates.
