Tiantong-1 are a series of China's first mobile communications satellites designed to operate in geostationary Earth orbit.

Very little is known about them, suggesting a military use for the system.

They are operated by China SatCom.

(Image: Supercluster)

This is the Chang Zheng 3B/E rocket.

It is an upgraded version of the retired Chang Zheng 3 and sports a longer first stage and longer boosters that allow it to carry heavier satellites into space.

Despite its success and capability, it uses highly toxic propellants for its first two stages and boosters: hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide. Exposure to these fuels before launch and as the boosters and stages fall back to Earth near (and sometimes on) populated and un-evacuated villages can lead to severe health issues.

The rocket is being replaced with newer Chang Zheng rockets that use more standard, non-toxic fuels like liquid hydrogen, liquid methane, and liquid oxygen.

In recent years, the LM-3B/E launch vehicle is developed to increase the GTO capacity up to 5,500kg. LM-3B/E has nearly the same configurations with LM-3B except its enlarged core stage and boosters.

Photo credit: CASC

Launch Complex 3

LC-3 is one of two launch areas at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

The pad was completely rebuilt and upgraded between 2005 to 2006 for China's lunar exploration program.

It can currently launch the Chang Zheng 2, 2C, 3 and 3B rockets.

Xichang Satellite Launch Center

The center was built in the early 1980s and takes its name from the closest major city, Xichang, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.

The space center is used to launch international scientific, civilian, and military satellites.

Xichang is not without controversy. In 1996, it was the site of a deadly launch accident when a rocket flew off course and crashed into an un-evacuated village 1.2 km away.

In 2007, it was used to launch an anti-satellite missile test which destroyed a satellite in low Earth orbit. The test created thousands of pieces of debris that were very hard to track and was criticized for the danger it potentially placed the crew of the International Space Station in.