Shijian-13/Chinasat-16

Mission

Shijian-13/Chinasat-16

Type: Communications

This is a Chinese experimental geostationary communications satellite. Besides testing the electric propulsion, the satellite is also reported to carry Chinas first high-throughput satellite payload (HTS), with a capacity of 20 GB per second. The satellite is aiming to provide Ka-band satellite broadband and multimedia services. Additionally it is also to conduct space-to-ground laser communications experiments.

Location

Launch Complex 3 ( LC-3 ) ( LA-1 )

Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China

101 rockets have launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China.

Rocket

Long March 3

Length: 54.8 meters
Diameter: 3.35 meters
First Launch: February 14, 1996

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.

The Long March 3 rocket has been launched a total of 13 times with 11 successful and 2 failed launches.

Agency

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Type: Government
Abbreviation: CASC
Administration: Chairmen & 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.