China launches Pakistan's newest communications satellite [Long March 3B/E Y98]

Pakistan's newest communications satellite headed to a geosynchronous transfer orbit atop of a Long March 3B/E.

Paksat-MM1R in a cleanroom ahead of launch.

Pakistan's newest communications satellite headed to a geosynchronous transfer orbit atop of a Long March 3B/E from the Xinchang Satellite Launch Center's Launch Complex 2, located in southern China. Liftoff occurred at 20:12 pm, China Standard Time, on May 30th, or 12:12 pm Universal Coordinated Time.

The spacecraft atop of the Long March 3B/E was Paksat-MM1R, which is built on the China Academy of Space Technology's Dongfanghong-4 enhanced platform. Paksat-MM1R is claimed as being able to provide television, radio, and regional communications in Pakistan, with the satellite residing at 38.2 degrees east geosynchronous orbit.

Paksat-MM1R is equipped with nine antennas and forty-eight multi-band transponders that will communicate in the C, Ku, Ka, and L bands to enable services in Pakistan and neighboring regions. The spacecraft is expected to operate for fifteen years on orbit after a set commissioning period, where the satellite will undergo final tests of its systems.

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