ZX-2A (Zhongxing-2A)

Spacecraft nº:

Chinese spacecraft nº: 186

Launch data:

Description:

• The ST 2 (Shen Tong 2) series satellites are reportedly chinese military comsats and are follow-ups to the ST 1 series. They reportedly provide the Ku-band communication and to feature advanced multiple steerable spot beam antenna technology to enable ground users to communicate while on the move as well as secured uplink transmission for satellite antenna control.
• CHINASAT 2A is a chinese military communications satellite. The spacecraft will circularize its orbit about 22,300 miles (35,888 km) over the equator, where its speed will match the rate of Earth's rotation, making the satellite appear to hover over a fixed position. The Xinhua news agency reported the satellite was built by the China Academy of Space Technology. The craft is likely based on China's DFH-4 satellite platform, China's most powerful standardized platform for communications missions. According to Xinhua, the Chinasat 2A satellite "will be used to meet the demands for China's radio and TV broadcasting and broadband multimedia transmissions". But analysts believe the satellite will serve with Chinese military with on-the-move communications.
• Operated by the Army and their aim is to provide secured voice and data communications services for ground users using Ku-band.

Mission details:

• On May 26, 2012 China launched a CZ-3B rocket from Xichang placing the ZX-2A (Zhongxing-2A, Chinastar-2A) spacecraft in a 207 x 35786 km x 27.1 deg geostationary transfer orbit. ZX-2A is believed to be a new generation strategic military communications satellite for the Zhonggou Renmin Jiefangjun (Chinese People's Liberation Army) and may have the classified name Shentong-2.
• On Jun 15 the spacecraft was in a 35780 x 35793 km x 0.2 deg geostationary orbtit over 98E, following an apogee burn sometime around May 30.