Posted: Sun, Aug 25, 2024, 10:18 AM ET (1418 GMT)
China launched a geostationary orbit communications satellite Thursday. A Long March 7A lifted off from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center at 8:25 am EDT (1225 GMT) and deployed the ChinaSat 4A spacecraft within 45 minutes. The payload, not announced until after the launch, is intended to provide voice, data and television services, although Chinese media provided few specifics. That lack of detail suggests the satellite may also have military applications.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  Xinhua article