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Chang Zheng 3BE

Stage · China

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

CZ-3B
CZ-3B

Version of the Long March 3B with lengthened first stage and boosters, increasing geosynchronous payload to 5,500 kg.

LEO Payload: 11,200 kg (24,600 lb) to a 200 km orbit at 28.50 degrees. Payload: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb) to a GTO. Launch Price $: 70.000 million in 1999 dollars.

Stage Data - CZ-3B

  • Stage 0. 4 x CZ-2E-0. Gross Mass: 41,000 kg (90,000 lb). Empty Mass: 3,200 kg (7,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 816.285 kN (183,508 lbf). Isp: 291 sec. Burn time: 128 sec. Isp(sl): 261 sec. Diameter: 2.25 m (7.38 ft). Span: 2.26 m (7.41 ft). Length: 15.33 m (50.29 ft). Propellants: N2O4/UDMH. No Engines: 1. Engine: YF-20B. Other designations: LB-40. Status: In Production.
  • Stage 1. 1 x CZ-3A-1. Gross Mass: 179,000 kg (394,000 lb). Empty Mass: 9,000 kg (19,800 lb). Thrust (vac): 3,265.143 kN (734,033 lbf). Isp: 289 sec. Burn time: 155 sec. Isp(sl): 259 sec. Diameter: 3.35 m (10.99 ft). Span: 7.00 m (22.90 ft). Length: 23.08 m (75.72 ft). Propellants: N2O4/UDMH. No Engines: 4. Engine: YF-20B. Other designations: L-180. Status: In Production.
  • Stage 2. 1 x CZ-2C/SD-2. Gross Mass: 55,000 kg (121,000 lb). Empty Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 761.900 kN (171,282 lbf). Isp: 298 sec. Burn time: 190 sec. Isp(sl): 270 sec. Diameter: 3.35 m (10.99 ft). Span: 3.35 m (10.99 ft). Length: 10.00 m (32.00 ft). Propellants: N2O4/UDMH. No Engines: 1. Engine: YF-22A/23A. Other designations: L-35. Status: In Production. Comments: Stretched version of CZ-2C second stage. Empty mass estimated.
  • Stage 3. 1 x CZ-3A-3. Gross Mass: 21,000 kg (46,000 lb). Empty Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Thrust (vac): 156.000 kN (35,070 lbf). Isp: 440 sec. Burn time: 470 sec. Diameter: 3.00 m (9.80 ft). Span: 3.00 m (9.80 ft). Length: 12.38 m (40.60 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 2. Engine: YF-75. Other designations: H-18. Status: In Production.

Related

Country
China
Launch Sites
Xichang LC2

Chronology

14 events

2007 May 13

16:01 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Nigcomsat 1 - . Payload: DFH-4 Enhanced. Mass: 5,150 kg (11,350 lb). Nation: Nigeria. Agency: NCS. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4. USAF Sat Cat: 31395 . COSPAR: 2007-018A. Apogee: 35,789 km (22,238 mi). Perigee: 35,782 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.

    Second DFH-4 communications satellite; China's first commercial payload sale, and Nigeria's first commercial communications satellite. Positioned at 42.5 deg E. Payload consisted of 4 C-band, 14 Ku-band, 8 Ka-band, and 2 L-band transponders. The antenna subsystem consisted of seven antennas.

2008 October 29

16:54 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Simon Bolivar - . Payload: VeneSat-1. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: Venezuela. Agency: SISE. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4. USAF Sat Cat: 33414 . COSPAR: 2008-055A. Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.20 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Venezuela's first satellite, a Chinese-built DFH-4 communications satellit with C-band and Ku-band transponders..

2010 September 4

16:14 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Zhongxing 6A - . Payload: Chinasat 6A. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: China. Agency: SISE. Program: Chinasat. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4. USAF Sat Cat: 37150 . COSPAR: 2010-042A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. C and Ku band communications transponders..

2011 June 20

16:13 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Zhongxing 10 - . Payload: Chinasat 10. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: China. Program: Chinasat. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4. USAF Sat Cat: 37677 . COSPAR: 2011-026A. Apogee: 35,812 km (22,252 mi). Perigee: 35,764 km (22,222 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Chinese communications satellite, stationed over 103.5 deg E. AKA ChinaSat 10, Xinnuo-5, and Sinosat-5..

2011 October 7

08:21 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Eutelsat W3C - . Payload: Spacebus 4000C3. Mass: 5,400 kg (11,900 lb). Nation: Europe. Program: Eutelsat. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000. USAF Sat Cat: 37836 . COSPAR: 2011-057A. Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Communications satellite..

2011 December 19

16:41 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: Xichang LC2. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Nigcomsat 1R - . Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Nation: Nigeria. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4. USAF Sat Cat: 38014 . COSPAR: 2011-077A. Apogee: 35,788 km (22,237 mi). Perigee: 35,785 km (22,235 mi). Inclination: 18.49 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Replacement for failed NigComSat-1, launched in 2004..

2012 March 31

10:27 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: Xichang LC2. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Apstar 7 - . Payload: Spacebus 4000C2. Mass: 5,054 kg (11,142 lb). Nation: China. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000. USAF Sat Cat: 38107 . COSPAR: 2012-013A. Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,782 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.

2012 April 29

20:50 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: Xichang LC2. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Beidou M3 - . Payload: Beidou DW 12. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Nation: China. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO. USAF Sat Cat: 38250 . COSPAR: 2012-018A. Apogee: 21,594 km (13,417 mi). Perigee: 21,461 km (13,335 mi). Inclination: 55.20 deg. Period: 773.20 min.
  • Beidou M4 - . Payload: Beidou DW 13. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Nation: China. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO. USAF Sat Cat: 38251 . COSPAR: 2012-018B. Apogee: 21,602 km (13,422 mi). Perigee: 21,453 km (13,330 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 773.20 min.

2012 May 26

15:56 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Zhongxing 2A - . Payload: Chinasat 2A / Shentong 2-1. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: China. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4. USAF Sat Cat: 38352 . COSPAR: 2012-028A. Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. First of the second generation of the Shentong series, operated by the Chinese Army to provide secure voice and data Ku-band communications to the ground forces..

2012 September 18

19:10 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: Xichang LC2. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Beidou M5 - . Payload: Beidou DW14. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Nation: China. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO. USAF Sat Cat: 38774 . COSPAR: 2012-050A. Apogee: 21,591 km (13,416 mi). Perigee: 21,462 km (13,335 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 773.20 min.
  • Beidou M6 - . Payload: Beidou DW15. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Nation: China. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO. USAF Sat Cat: 38775 . COSPAR: 2012-050B. Apogee: 21,578 km (13,407 mi). Perigee: 21,472 km (13,342 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 773.10 min.

2012 November 27

10:13 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: Xichang LC2. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Zhongxing 12 - . Payload: Chinasat 12 / Spacebus 4000C2. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Nation: China. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000. USAF Sat Cat: 39017 . COSPAR: 2012-067A. Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Civilian communications satellite for China Satcom. Part of capacity leased to Sri Lankan company SupremeSat. Stationed over over 81.5 deg E..

2013 May 1

16:06 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Zhongxing 11 - . Payload: Chinasat 11. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: China. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4. USAF Sat Cat: 39157 . COSPAR: 2013-020A. Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.55 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Communications satellite operated by China Satcom with 45 C-band and Ku-band transponders..

2013 December 1

17:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Pad: xxx. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Chang'e 3 - . Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Nation: China. Class: Moon. Type: Lunar probe. Spacecraft: Chang'e. Decay Date: 2013-12-14 . USAF Sat Cat: 39458 . COSPAR: 2013-070A.

    Unmanned lunar rover. Boosted into a 210 x 389 109 km x 28.5 deg lunar transfer orbit. On December 6 at 09:50 GMT the spacecraft entered a 100 km polar orbit around the Moon. The 3,800 kg wet / 1,200 kg at landing spacecraft had a descent engine and landing legs, and a variety of lunar surface science experiments. It also carried Yutu, a small 140 kg rover. On December 10 at 13:20 GMT the orbit was lowered from 100 x 100 to 15 x 100 km. At 12:59:52 GMT December 14, near perilune, the descent engine was turned on to decelerate the probe and fly it down to the surface. Chang'e-3 touched down at 13:11:18 GMT, at 19.51W 44.12N, about 43 km south of crater Laplace F in the Mare Imbrium. This was the first lunar soft landing since the USSR's Luna-24 in 1976.

  • Yutu - . Mass: 140 kg (300 lb). Nation: China. Class: Moon. Type: Lunar rover. Spacecraft: Yutu. USAF Sat Cat: 39459 . COSPAR: 2013-070B. Apogee: 884,144 km (549,380 mi). Perigee: 23,826 km (14,804 mi). Inclination: 26.77 deg. Period: 51,809.63 min.

    Lunar rover delivered to lunar surface by Chang'e-3. At 20:35 GMT on December 14 the `Yutu hao' (`rabbit') rover drove down the Chang'e-3 ramp onto the lunar surface. Yutu and Chang'e-3 are both solar powered, but also carry small Pu-238 radioactive heater units to keep systems from freezing during the 14-day lunar night. Yutu had six wheels.

2013 December 20

16:42 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Pad: xxx. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 3BE.
  • Tupac Katari 1 - . Payload: TKSAT 1. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: Bolivia. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4. USAF Sat Cat: 39481 . COSPAR: 2013-075A. Apogee: 35,802 km (22,246 mi). Perigee: 35,773 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 0.0700 deg. Period: 1,436.13 min.

    Bolivia's first communications satellite, named after the historical Bolivian leader Julian Apasa Nina (Tupac Katari, 1750-1781). The satellite was built by China's CAST using a DFH-4 bus. It was controlled by Chinese-trained Bolivian engineers at the Amachuma ground station.