Question 1

What rocket is launching Shijian-13/Chinasat-16?

Accepted Answer

Shijian-13/Chinasat-16 is launching on the Long March 3B.

Question 2

Who is launching Shijian-13/Chinasat-16?

Accepted Answer

Shijian-13/Chinasat-16 is being launched by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a government launch provider founded in 1999.

Question 3

Where is Shijian-13/Chinasat-16 launching from?

Accepted Answer

Shijian-13/Chinasat-16 is launching from Launch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1) at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.

Question 4

What orbit is Shijian-13/Chinasat-16 heading to?

Accepted Answer

Shijian-13/Chinasat-16 is heading to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Question 5

Is the Long March 3B reusable?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

How many times has the Long March 3B flown?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What is the Shijian-13/Chinasat-16 mission?

Accepted Answer

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.

Shijian-13/Chinasat-16

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

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

Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Frequently asked questions