ZX-9A (ChinaSat-9A)

Launch data:

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• CHINASAT 9A is a Chinese satellite that was supposed to enter service in geostationary orbit over the equator at 101.4 degree east longitude. The satellite′s 24 Ku-band transponders are designed to provide television broadcasts and other media services to China Satcom customers in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Based on the DFH-4 satellite design built by the China Academy of Space Technology, Chinasat 9A was intended to be China′s first domestically-made communications satellite for direct-to-home television broadcasting. Unfortunately the launch of CHINASAT 9A satellite atop a Long March 3B rocket did not reach its planned orbital destination.

Mission details:

• The China Satcom ZX-9A (Zhongxing-9A, Chinasat-9A, also known as Xinnuo-4, Chinastar-4) broadcasting satellite payload was launched on Jun 18, 2017 according to chinaspaceflight.com. The CZ-3B third stage reached parking orbit on its first burn and reignited as it crossed the equator to put the vehicle in geotransfer; however the second burn was incomplete and left the payload in an elliptical orbit with much lower apogee than planned.
  Tthe payload probably does have enough fuel to reach GEO. At of Jul 2, there had been no new orbital data for ZX-9A since Jun 19; probably it has raised its orbit but not yet been re-identified by US sensors.

External links:

• Satellite tracking: Real time satellite tracking