On September 8, 2009, China Great Wall Industry Corp. (CGWIC) and a customer in the Indian Ocean region, signed a launch services contract.
According to the contract, the telecommunication satellite will be launched by using Long March 3B launch vehicle (LM-3B) from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in 2012 preliminarily.
The LM-3B launch vehicle, designed and manufactured by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), is the most powerful launch vehicle for Geo-stationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) missions in the Long March series of launch vehicles. The standard and enhanced LM-3B’s GTO payload capabilities are 5,100kg and 5,500kg respectively.
Up to date, CGWIC has completed 30 commercial launch missions for 36 satellites and 6 piggy-back missions since 1990.
About CGWIC
As a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) acts as a platform of CASC for international cooperation. Established in 1980, CGWIC is the sole commercial organization authorized by the Chinese government to provide international commercial launch services, satellite in-orbit delivery and to conduct international space technology cooperation.