On August 31, 2009, the PALAPA-D satellite was launched by LM-3B launch vehicle from Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 17:28 Beijing time. The first and second stages of the launch vehicle operated normally, however, the third stage experienced underperformance and the satellite was sent into a transfer obit which is lower than the pre-determined super-GTO.
Since the anomaly occurred, engineers of China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the launch vehicle manufacturer, have been making the analysis and study on the phenomenon. CALT formed an Investigation Working Team and an Investigation Committee according to the quality control regulations of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC), which also sets up an Oversight Committee to review the investigation results.
The Investigation Working Team, headed by Mr. Cen Zheng, General Director of LM-3A series of launch vehicles, consists of system engineering, propulsion subsystem and telemetry subsystem specialist groups. The findings made by the Investigation Working Team are to be reviewed and approved by the Investigation Committee, headed by Mr. Yang Shuangjin, Vice President of CALT for quality control. The investigation results made by the Investigation Committee are to be reviewed and approved independently by the Oversight Commission, which is chaired by Mr. Bai Jingwu, Deputy Director of Science and Technology Commission of CASC.
According to the preliminary analysis of CALT, the anomaly was caused by the underperformance of auxiliary system in the Engine-I of 3rd stage.
Based on the current plan, the whole investigation work is scheduled to be concluded before mid November 2009.