On September 9 11:01 UTC, a Chinese Long March 3B launched the Chinasat 9B satellite into geostationary transfer orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. After separation, the satellite successfully deployed its solar panels and began communicating with the ground.

The manufacturer was fairly open with what the mission of Chinasat 9B is, which is not something we often see with Chinese government satellites; it will provide radio and live television transmission. Compared to Chinasat 9A, 9B has new transponders that will allow it to broadcast 4K and 8K video, particularly for large sporting events such as the upcoming Winter Olympics which will be held in Beijing in February 2022. Once in orbit and tested, the satellite will be transferred to China Satellite Communications, the state Satcom operator.

More Information

CASC press release (Chinese)

Launch video