A Long March 3A booster carried China's Dongfanghong 3 domestic communications satellite into geo- stationary-transfer orbit after launch from Xichang on 9 May. The successful launch - the third by the 3A model - boosted China's commercial-launcher hopes after two failures dented its reputation in 1996 (Flight International, 16-22 April). The next launch, of the first Fengyun 2 geostationary-orbiting national weather satellite aboard a Long March 3 model, is scheduled for June and will be followed by the resumption of commercial launches for China's four remaining customers, all planned aboard Long March 3B boosters.
Source: Flight International