New Chinese satellite fails to enter orbit

Beijing, June 19 (IANS) China's new communications satellite Zhongxing-9A, which was launched aboard the Long March-3B carrier rocket on Monday, has failed to enter the preset orbit.

The satellite was launched from southwest China's Xichang Satellite Launch Centre at 12.11 a.m, Xinhua news agency reported.

Abnormal performance was identified during the third phase of the rocket launch, said the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The exact reason for the failure was under investigation and related parties were taking measures to address the problem and place the satellite in its correct orbit.

The solar panels and communication antennae, however, had been deployed and the satellite system was operating under normal conditions, according to the CASC.

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