[Satellite Today – 6-9-08] A Chinese Long March 3B rocket placed the Chinasat 9 satellite into orbit June 9, satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space confirmed.
    The communications satellite, based on the Spacebus-4000C2 platform, will be used to provide coverage of the 2008 Olympics and also will help provide high-definition satellite services in China. Chinasat 9 will be operated by China Telecommunications Broadcast Satellite Corp. on behalf of the China Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
    The launch was conducted by China Great Wall Industrial Corp.