China's New Satellite Expected to Support Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

China launched the Zhongxing-9B satellite aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province on Sept 9.

The Long March-3B carrier rocket, carrying the Zhongxing-9B satellite, is launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province on Sept 9. [Photo provided to sasac.gov.cn]

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), Zhongxing-9B is a geosynchronous orbit broadcast TV live satellite. Equipped with the domestically-developed Dongfanghong IV enhanced satellite platform, it is a high-quality satellite that meets the country's live TV transmission requirements and can ensure safe live broadcasting services.

Compared with the previous Zhongxing-9A satellite, the new satellite has a larger coverage area and stronger capabilities.

With its specially-designed transponder, the Zhongxing-9B satellite has outstanding transmission performance that can be used for live broadcast services and supports 4K and 8K high-definition video program transmission. The satellite will provide high-quality livestreaming of the upcoming Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

CASC's China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd. is responsible for the in-orbit operation and management of the Zhongxing-9B satellite. The company is responsible for 15 civilian commercial communication and broadcasting satellites covering countries and regions including China, Australia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa.

The Long March-3B carrier rocket was developed by CASC's China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. In recent years, progress has been made in developing technology that can improve the stability and reliability of the rocket and make it more adaptable in order to meet different launch demands.

The launch on Sept 9 marked the 388th mission for the Long March carrier rocket series.

A Long March-3B carrier rocket is ready for launch at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. [Photo provided to sasac.gov.cn]

(Executive editor: Niu Yilin)