Five Chinese boosters will carry Hughes communications satellites from late 1998, following a new launch agreement by the US company with China Great Wall Industry.
Hughes has remained faithful to the Long March, despite commercial-launch failures which have lost China several customers. The booking also includes Ìve additional options.
A Long March 3 (LM3) will be used to launch a spin-stabilised HS-376 satellite, and four LM3B boosters are scheduled to launch the larger three-axis stabilised HS-601 and new HS-702 models.
The Ìrst LM3B failed in January 1996, and the second launch is expected in August, carrying the Philippines' Mabuhay satellite.
Source: Flight International