China successfully launches ChinaSat-9B satellite
China has launched ChinaSat-9B, a radio and television broadcasting satellite, into orbit on a Long March 3B from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
This satellite serves as a replacement to the ChinaSat-9A, launched in 2017 but inserted into a lower than planned orbit, and thus its operational life reduced.
The satellite, which was built by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and operated by China Satcom, is based upon the DFH-4 satellite bus and equipped with Ku-band antennas.
The satellite is expected to allow 8K broadcasting of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. (ILKHA)