# Zhongxing 15A

> Chinese communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q69165](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q69165)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChinaSat_12)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zhongxing-15a

## Summary
Zhongxing 15A, also known as ChinaSat 12, is a Chinese communications satellite launched in 2012 to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. Operated by China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd., it was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and has a design life of 15 years. The satellite supports television broadcasting, broadband internet, and mobile communications across Asia-Pacific regions.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 27, 2012, at 10:13:03 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 3B (Y24) from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
- **Mass**: 5,054 kg (launch weight).
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space (France).
- **Operator**: China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd.
- **Design Life**: 15 years.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary.
- **Aliases**: ChinaSat 12, Zhongxing 12, SupremeSat 1, APStar 7B.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-067A.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Zhongxing 15A launched?
A: Zhongxing 15A was launched on November 27, 2012, at 10:13:03 UTC aboard a Long March 3B rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: Who built Zhongxing 15A?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, a French company, under contract for China.

### Q: What is the purpose of Zhongxing 15A?
A: It provides telecommunications services, including television broadcasting, broadband internet, and mobile communications, primarily across the Asia-Pacific region.

## Why It Matters
Zhongxing 15A is a critical component of China’s telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and media services across the Asia-Pacific. Its 15-year design life and geostationary position ensure reliable, continuous coverage for broadcasting, internet, and mobile communications. The satellite exemplifies international collaboration, combining French manufacturing expertise (Thales Alenia Space) with Chinese operational oversight. As part of the ChinaSat series, it supports economic and social development by bridging communication gaps in remote and densely populated regions.

## Notable For
- **International Collaboration**: Built by France’s Thales Alenia Space for Chinese operators.
- **Versatile Payload**: Equipped with solar arrays and S400 batteries for sustained power.
- **Long Service Life**: Designed to operate for 15 years in geostationary orbit.
- **Multiple Aliases**: Reflects its role in various partnerships (e.g., SupremeSat 1, APStar 7B).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Utilizes the Spacebus-4000C2 platform, a reliable model for communications satellites.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Zhongxing 15A launched on November 27, 2012, at 10:13:03 UTC from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. The Long March 3B rocket (Y24 variant) deployed the satellite into geostationary orbit, where it remains stationed to provide fixed coverage of the Asia-Pacific region.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 5,054 kg at launch.
- **Power**: Two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400 battery.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-4000C2, designed for high payload capacity and fuel efficiency.
- **Design Life**: 15 years, with redundancy in critical systems to ensure longevity.

### Operational Role
The satellite delivers telecommunications services, including:
- Television broadcasting.
- Broadband internet access.
- Mobile communications.
- Data transmission for government and commercial clients.

### Design and Manufacturing
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space (France), highlighting international cooperation in satellite development.
- **Operator**: China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd., overseeing daily operations and service distribution.
- **Country of Origin**: France (manufacturing), with China responsible for launch and operation.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/zx-12.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report