What rocket is launching Apstar 6?

Apstar 6 is launching on the Long March 3B.

Who is launching Apstar 6?

Apstar 6 is being launched by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a government launch provider founded in 1999.

Where is Apstar 6 launching from?

Apstar 6 is launching from Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.

What orbit is Apstar 6 heading to?

Apstar 6 is heading to Geostationary Orbit (Direct-GEO).

Is the Long March 3B reusable?

No — the Long March 3B is an expendable launch vehicle.

How many times has the Long March 3B flown?

The Long March 3B has launched 24 times to date, with 21 successful flights.

Back to Launches

Apstar 6

Name: Apstar 6 — Long March 3B
Start: 2005-04-12T12:00:00Z
End: 2005-04-12T12:00:00Z
Location: Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)

Communications

Success

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)Government

Long March 3BDirect-GEOorbit

Overview

Communications Ku and C band transponders.

Mission details

Orbital Attempt

#4,706

CASC Mission

#29

Pad Launch

#22

Location Launch

#38

Designator

2005-012

Launch Window

NET

Apr 12, 2005, 12:00 PM

Schedule Changes

1 update

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)

Total Launches

125

Orbital Attempts

125

Fastest Turnaround

16d 14h

Wikipedia Map

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.

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

Local Launch Time

Apr 12, 2005, 8:00 PM

Total Launches

241

Total Landings

Coordinates

28.2460, 102.0266

View location page

Frequently asked questions

Long March 3B Specs

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.

Length

54.8 m

Diameter

3.35 m

Launch Mass

426 t

Thrust

5,923 kN

Capacity

11,500 kg

Capacity

5,100 kg

Capacity

2,000 kg

Launch Cost

$70M

Reusable

Maiden Flight

1996

Fastest Turnaround

25d 23h

Total Launches

Successful

Failed

Consecutive Success

Maiden flight: Feb 14, 1996

Wikipedia

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

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.

Founded

1999

Administrator

Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei

Total Launches

604

Successful

589

Failed

Pending

Consecutive Success

Wikipedia Website

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)

Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Frequently asked questions

What rocket is launching Apstar 6?

Who is launching Apstar 6?

Where is Apstar 6 launching from?

What orbit is Apstar 6 heading to?

Is the Long March 3B reusable?

How many times has the Long March 3B flown?

What is the Apstar 6 mission?