At the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China, a Long March 3 rocket, carrying an Intelsat 708, crashes into a rural village after liftoff, killing many people.

Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC): China's Gateway to Geostationary Orbit

The Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC), often referred to as the Xichang Space Center, stands as a pivotal spaceport within China's rapidly expanding space infrastructure. Strategically situated in Zeyuan Town (泽远镇), approximately 64 kilometers (40 mi) northwest of the city of Xichang, this facility is nestled within the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Its remote, mountainous location offers advantageous launch trajectories and reduces risks to populated areas, making it ideal for the critical missions it undertakes.

Operational Milestones and Diverse Payloads

Having commenced operations in 1984, the XSLC quickly established itself as a cornerstone for China's ambitious space endeavors. Annually, it serves as the launchpad for a wide array of payloads, encompassing critical civil communication satellites, advanced scientific research spacecraft, and essential military assets. This versatility underscores its importance to China's national development and security. Notably, XSLC has been a key site for fostering international collaboration in space exploration.

Sino-European Space Cooperation: The Double Star Mission

A significant highlight in XSLC's history of international cooperation is its role in the Sino-European Double Star scientific satellite mission. In December 2003, the first of two Double Star satellites was successfully launched from Xichang. This groundbreaking joint venture with the European Space Agency (ESA) was dedicated to studying Earth's magnetosphere and its response to solar activity, contributing valuable data to space weather research. The success of this mission showcased China's growing capabilities as a reliable international launch service provider and signaled Chinese officials' keen interest in conducting further international satellite launches from the XSLC, leveraging its geographical advantages for missions requiring geosynchronous transfer orbits.

Historical Incidents and Lessons Learned

The history of any major launch complex often includes both triumphs and challenges. XSLC has been the site of a few notable incidents that have shaped its operational procedures and safety protocols.

The Long March 3 (CZ-3): A Pioneering Carrier Rocket

The Long March 3, known by its Chinese designation Changzheng 3 (长征三号) and acronyms like CZ-3 and LM-3, was a foundational Chinese orbital carrier rocket design that played a crucial role in China's early high-orbit launch capabilities. All missions involving the Long March 3 were exclusively launched from Launch Area 3 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, underscoring the specialized infrastructure required for its operations.

Design and Primary Mission

The Long March 3 was a three-stage rocket, each stage providing propulsion for different phases of the ascent into space. Its primary mission was to place DFH-2-class communications satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO). A geosynchronous transfer orbit is a highly elliptical orbit used as an intermediate step to propel satellites towards a geostationary orbit (GEO). Satellites in GEO appear stationary relative to a point on Earth's surface, making them ideal for continuous telecommunications, broadcasting, and weather monitoring. The DFH-2 (Dong Fang Hong 2, meaning "East is Red 2") series represented China's first generation of domestically developed geostationary communications satellites, essential for expanding national broadcasting and telephone networks.

Evolution to the Long March 3A

As China's space program advanced, the Long March 3 was complemented and subsequently replaced by more powerful variants, most notably the Long March 3A. The Long March 3A featured significant enhancements, particularly an improved third stage. This upgrade provided increased thrust and efficiency, allowing it to carry heavier payloads and achieve more precise orbital insertions, thus expanding China's capabilities for deploying advanced satellites into higher orbits and for deep space missions.

Frequently Asked Questions About XSLC and Long March 3

What is the primary function of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC)?
The XSLC is one of China's key spaceports, primarily used for launching a wide range of civil, scientific, and military payloads, especially those destined for geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO) and geostationary orbits (GEO).
Where is the Xichang Satellite Launch Center located?
It is located in Zeyuan Town, approximately 64 kilometers (40 mi) northwest of the city of Xichang, within the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, China.
What was the significance of the Double Star mission launched from XSLC?
The Double Star mission was a notable Sino-European scientific collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) to study Earth's magnetosphere. Its launch from XSLC in 2003 highlighted China's capability and willingness to engage in significant international space cooperation.
What type of rockets were primarily launched from XSLC for geosynchronous missions?
The Long March 3 series of rockets, including the pioneering Long March 3 and its successor, the Long March 3A, were predominantly launched from XSLC for missions targeting geosynchronous transfer orbits.
What kind of satellites did the Long March 3 rocket typically launch?
The Long March 3 was mostly used to place DFH-2-class communications satellites, which were China's early geostationary communication spacecraft, into geosynchronous transfer orbits.
Were there any major accidents at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center?
Yes, a notable incident occurred in 1996 when a Long March series rocket carrying the Intelsat 708 satellite failed during launch, resulting in a crash and casualties. Additionally, a controversial anti-satellite missile test was conducted from the center in 2007.