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China-launched Indonesian satellite fails to enter orbit

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-31 23:03

XICHANG: Indonesian communications satellite Palapa D failed to enter a preset orbit after being launched at 5:28 pm Monday at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China.

Related readings:  China fails to put Indonesia satellite in orbit  China to launch Indonesia's communications satellite

The satellite was launched atop a Chinese-made Long March 3B rocket.

The first and second stages of the rocket entered space normally, but the third stage failed during a second-time ignition. Experts are investigating.

The Palapa D satellite, owned by Indonesian satellite communications company Indosat, would have provided satellite links and broadcasting services for Indonesia and other southeastern Asian nations.

Indosat ordered the Palapa D satellite from the French company ThalesAlenia Space in 2007.