BeiDou-2 IGSO-3 'Compass-I3' - CZ-3A, April 9, 2011 Launch

[Satori]

According to the most recent information available, China will launch the third IGSO BeiDou-2 satellite in the beginning of April.

[input~2]

Seemingly, for the time being, around April 10.

[Satori]

Seemingly, for the time being, around April 10.

Great info, input~2! Thank you!

[Satori]

Launch of BeiDou-2 IGSO-3 can probably take place on April 9 (1200UTC).

[Satori]

The launch announcement has been made on the official Compass (in chinese) page.

[Satori]

The Chinese Department of Defence is also announcing (in chinese) the launch in the next days.

[Satori]

And the Xinhua announcement in english China to launch eighth orbiter for indigenous global navigation network.

[input~2]

My guess is a launch on April 10, early morning local time, i.e. April 9, 1930-2230 UTC

[input~2]

Launch window confirmed for April 9, 2030-2046UTC
as per CZ-3A launcher drop zone information

[input~2]

1st stage drop zone polygon:
N241651E1060551-N243523E1054832-N242448E1053503-N240618E1055222-N241651E1060551

Fairing drop zone polygon:
N175950E1115821-N183810E1112643-N181111E1105107-N173257E1112248-N175950E1115821

2nd stage drop zone polygon:
N160606E1133236-N163603E1130831-N160923E1123303-N153925E1125710-N160606E1133236

[Liss]

Launch window confirmed for April 9, 2030-2046UTC
as per CZ-3A launcher drop zone information

In December 2010, the nearest zone was closed from 20:14 till 20:30 UTC, and the launch occured at 20:20 UTC. So I expect the launch at 20:36 UTC.

[Satori]

[Satori]

Launch took place at 2047:04UTC on April 9. News from CALT (in chinese).

[Chris Bergin]

Rui's article:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/china-big-2011-push-beidou-2-launch/

[Satori]

From Xinhua, China launches eighth satellite for indigenous global navigation, positioning network