Long March 3B/E | ChinaSat 9C
Long March 3B/E • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 3B/E Rocket Set to Launch ChinaSat 9C Satellite
On June 20, 2025, China is scheduled to launch the ChinaSat 9C satellite aboard a Long March 3B/E rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. This mission represents a key step in bolstering China's telecommunications infrastructure, deploying a advanced geostationary communication satellite to enhance broadcasting and data services across Asia and beyond.
The primary objective of the mission is to position ChinaSat 9C at 92.2° East longitude, where it will replace the aging ChinaSat 9 satellite launched in 2008. Operated by China Satellite Communications Co. Ltd. (China Satcom), the new satellite will provide high-throughput Ku- and Ka-band transponders, enabling improved broadband internet, television broadcasting, and mobile communications. With a design life of at least 15 years, ChinaSat 9C incorporates advanced payload capabilities, including spot beams for targeted coverage and higher data rates compared to its predecessor. This upgrade is expected to support growing demands for satellite-based services in remote areas, disaster response, and maritime communications, potentially delivering up to 100 Gbps of total throughput. Such enhancements reflect China's push toward bridging the digital divide, particularly in underserved regions of Asia-Pacific, where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.
The Long March 3B/E rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, is a three-stage vehicle optimized for geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) missions. Standing approximately 56 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters, it weighs about 425 tons at liftoff. The first stage is powered by four YF-21C engines using hypergolic propellants—unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and nitrogen tetroxide—generating a combined thrust of around 3,000 kN. The second stage employs a single YF-24E engine, while the third stage uses a YF-75 engine with liquid hydrogen and oxygen for precise orbital insertion. The enhanced "E" variant features upgraded strap-on boosters, increasing payload capacity to about 5,500 kg to GTO, making it suitable for heavy communications satellites like ChinaSat 9C. Technical innovations include improved avionics for better reliability and a modular design that allows for rapid assembly, reducing preparation time.
Historically, the Long March 3B series has a robust performance record since its maiden flight in
ℹ️ Official Details
Ku- and Ka-band geostationary communication satellite for China Satcom at 92.2° East, replacing ChinaSat 9.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Long March 3B/E launch of ChinaSat 9C on June 20, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking another reliable performance for the rocket system. The mission executed flawlessly, with the Ku- and Ka-band geostationary communication satellite positioned at 92.2° East for China Satcom, effectively replacing the aging ChinaSat 9. Technical performance was robust, showcasing precision in trajectory and separation mechanisms during deployment. Key engineering outcomes include validated design improvements in the Long March 3B/E, reinforcing its role as a workhorse for heavy geostationary payloads. The successful integration and operation of the satellite’s advanced communication systems further highlight China’s growing expertise in space infrastructure. This mission strengthens confidence in the Long March series for future launches and underscores China Satcom’s expanding capabilities in regional connectivity, paving the way for more ambitious communication satellite projects.