Tim Furniss/LONDON
CHINA'S LONG MARCH 2E (LM2E) booster had its second successful launch within 30 days on 28 December, 1995, when it carried the Lockheed Martin-built US Echostar 1 direct-broadcasting communications satellite into geostationary transfer orbit.
The Asiasat 2, also built by Lockheed Martin, was launched by an LM2E from Xichang on 28 November. The launches have boosted the reputation of the China Great Wall Industry (CGWIC) LM2E, which had suffered two failures in five launches between 1992 and 1995 (Flight International, 22-28 November, 1995).
CGWIC is planning to launch the new LM3B booster from Xichang in February, carrying the Space Systems/ Loral-built Intelsat 708. The LM3B is a combination of the LM3A (an LM3 with a cryogenic upper-third stage) and the liquid-fuel strap-on boosters of the LM2E.
The next launch (by an LM3) will carry the Hughes HS-376 ApStar 1A communications satellite and is scheduled for March. The satellite was ordered partially to compensate for the loss of the larger HS-601 ApStar 2 satellite in an LM2E explosion in 1995. The HS-601 ApStar 2R replacement satellite is scheduled to be launched by an LM3B in December.
Source: Flight International
