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Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
17:50:00
Tuesday August 19, 1997
First successful flight of the Long March 3B.
ABS-3, formerly ABS-5, was initially named Agila 2 after the Philippine eagle, before being acquired by Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS). Launched in 1997, the satellite provided telecommunications services for Mabuhay Satellite Corporation before being sold to ABS in 2009. Built by Space Systems/Loral, the satellite provides coverage in the Asia-Pacific region. Its control station is located at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the Philippines.
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
1 Payload
2,820 kilograms
Manufacturer
CASCRocket
Height: 54.84m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 11,500 kg
GTO: 5,100 kg
Liftoff Thrust
5,924 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 4m
Height: 9.56m
Stages
3
Strap-ons
4
17th
Mission
3rd
Mission of 1997
44th
Orbital launch attempt