China launches Tiantong-01; its first satellite for mobile telecommunication

China on 6 August 2016 successfully launched its first satellite for mobile telecommunication, Tiantong-01.

Tiantong-01 satellite was launched from southwestern China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center, with the Long March-3B carrier rocket. More geostationary satellites will be sent into orbit for the system.

It is the first satellite of China's homemade satellite mobile telecom system, and a key part of the country's space information infrastructure.

Tiantong-01 satellite

• It was designed by China Academy of Space Technology

• Its ground service will be operated by China Telecom

• It will operate in a geosynchronous orbit (GEO)

• It will establish a mobile network with ground facilities, providing services for China, the Middle East, Africa and other areas.

It was the 232nd flight of the Long March series carrier rockets, and the 36th launch of the Long March-3B. The three-stage Long March 3B rocket is currently the most powerful Chinese booster in service.

The 180-foot (55-meter) tall March-3B is capable of launching up to 12 metric tons of payload to low-Earth orbit (LEO) or 5 metric tons of cargo to a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

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