Posted: Sat, Jan 21, 2023, 11:14 AM ET (1614 GMT)
China launched a small GEO communications satellite Jan. 12. A Long March 2C lifted off at 1:10 pm EST (1810 GMT) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center and placed the Apstar-6E satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit. The spacecraft, weighing less than two metric tons, will use electric propulsion to reach GEO and provide service for APT Satellite. A Long March 2D lifted off at 2:00 am EST (0700 GMT) Jan. 13 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and placed into orbit Yaogan-37, Shiyan-22A and Shiyan-22B. Chinese state media state that the satellites will be used for in-orbit technology validation, but likely have military applications.

Related Links:

•  Xinhua article on launch of Apstar-6E
•  Xinhua article on launch of Yaogan-37, Shiyan-22A and Shiyan-22B