ChinaSat 9A

ChinaSat 9A ''' was a Chinese communications satellite operated by China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd..

History

ChinaSat 9A, originally developed by Sino Satellite Communications Co., Ltd. and named SinoSat 4, was a replacement for SinoSat 2, which experienced a post-launch malfunction. Its launch was originally scheduled for late 2008 but was later postponed. In 2010, the satellite was handed over to China Satcom and renamed ChinaSat 9A. Its launch was also further delayed.

Launch

ChinaSat 9A was launched at 00:10 on 19 June 2017 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 3B launch vehicle. A malfunction with the third stage of the rocket during the launch process led to a flight attitude anomaly, preventing the satellite from entering geostationary transfer orbit. It successfully entered geostationary orbit later using autonomous orbit maneuvers; however, it was predicted that this attitude control error would lead to a reduction in on-orbit lifespan of ten years.