Operator China Satcom Bus Spacebus-4000C2 Reference system Geocentric Launch mass 5,054 kg Rocket Long March 3B Mission type Communications satellite | Mission duration 15 years Launch site Xichang LA-2 Launch date 27 November 2012 Launch mass 5,054 kg Manufacturer Thales Alenia Space | |
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Power 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries Similar Intelsat 22, INSAT‑3C, GSAT‑8, KazSat‑2, JCSAT‑5A | ||
Now called Zhongxing 15A (ZX 15A), or ChinaSat-15A, the former Zhongxing 12 communications satellite is wholly owned by China Satcom, with part of its communications payload leased or rented by SupremeSAT, a Sri Lankan company to be marketed to potential users as SupremeSAT-I. Once operational, it will provide communications services for the China, Sri Lanka, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Africa, Australia and China sea area, the Indian Ocean region.
Orbit
Following launch on 27 November 2012, the satellite was placed into geosynchronous orbit and located at 51.5° East while being tested. On April 19, 2013, it started to move towards its operational location at 87.5° East. At the same time, it was renamed Chinasat 15A to reflect its future operation as a replacement for Chinasat 5A, the current incumbent of the slot.
The satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space and has a designed life of 15 years.