China Just Launched a Communications Satellite. Is It in Trouble?

A Chinese Long March 3B rocket launched a new communications satellite into orbit today (Aug. 19) — but its days might be numbered. After lifting off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China at 8:03 p.m. local time (8:03 a.m. EDT; 1203 GMT), the rocket should have deployed the Zhongxing-18 satellite, also known as Chinasat-18, into orbit about 25 minutes into the mission, according to NASAspaceflight.com. However, more than half a day later, officials have yet to provide an update on the condition of the satellite or whether it separated from the rocket as planned. More

(Source: Space.com - Aug 20)