# Chinasat 20A

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q197921](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q197921)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chinasat-20a

## Summary
Chinasat 20A is a communications satellite that was launched on November 24, 2010. It was carried into orbit by a Long March 3A rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. As a communications satellite, its primary purpose is for telecommunications.

## Key Facts
*   Chinasat 20A is a communications satellite.
*   It was launched on November 24, 2010.
*   The launch vehicle used was the Long March 3A, a Chinese orbital carrier rocket.
*   The launch took place at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
*   It is also known by its aliases 中星20A and Shen Tong 1B.
*   Its COSPAR ID is 2010-064A.
*   Its Space Catalog Number (SCN) is 37234.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Chinasat 20A?
A: Chinasat 20A is a communications satellite. It was launched in 2010 to facilitate telecommunications services.

### Q: When was Chinasat 20A launched?
A: Chinasat 20A was launched on November 24, 2010. This event marked its deployment into orbit.

### Q: What rocket launched Chinasat 20A?
A: Chinasat 20A was launched by a Long March 3A rocket. The Long March 3A is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket.

### Q: Does Chinasat 20A have other names?
A: Yes, Chinasat 20A is also known by the aliases 中星20A and Shen Tong 1B. These are alternative designations for the satellite.

## Why It Matters
Chinasat 20A matters as a communications satellite because it plays a role in the global infrastructure for telecommunications. Communications satellites are artificial satellites specifically designed to facilitate the transmission of signals for various communication purposes, including television, radio, internet, and telephone services. By being part of this network, Chinasat 20A contributes to connecting people and transmitting information across vast distances, overcoming geographical barriers that terrestrial communication systems might face. Its launch and operation are indicative of ongoing efforts in space technology to enhance and expand communication capabilities, which are fundamental to modern society, commerce, and international relations. The continuous deployment of such satellites ensures reliable and widespread access to information and connectivity, supporting everything from daily personal interactions to critical global data exchanges.

## Notable For
*   Its specific COSPAR ID: 2010-064A, which uniquely identifies it among launched space objects.
*   Being known by multiple aliases, including 中星20A and Shen Tong 1B.
*   Its launch by the Long March 3A, a prominent Chinese orbital carrier rocket.

## Body

### Overview
Chinasat 20A is classified as a communications satellite. Its primary function is related to telecommunications. The satellite is also identified by the aliases 中星20A and Shen Tong 1B.

### Launch Information
Chinasat 20A was launched on November 24, 2010. The launch operation was carried out from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite was propelled into orbit by a Long March 3A rocket. Its unique identifier in the international cataloging system is COSPAR ID 2010-064A, and its Space Catalog Number (SCN) is 37234.

### Classification
*   **Instance of**: communications satellite
    *   A communications satellite is an artificial satellite specifically designed for telecommunications.
*   **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 3A
    *   The Long March 3A is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report