Sino Satellite Communications
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Satellite communications |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Satellite communication services |
| Parent | China Satellite Communications |
Sino Satellite Communications Co., Ltd. (commonly known as SinoSat) is a Chinese enterprise specializing in satellite communication services through its geostationary satellite fleet, which includes SinoSat 1 and SinoSat 3; however, SinoSat 2 experienced failure soon after its deployment.
History
Established in 1994 as a branch of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), Sino Satellite Communications combined its assets, including the SinoSat 1 satellite, into a joint venture formed in 2007 with the state-owned China Satellite Communications. In 2009, after reorganization directed by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Satellite Communications was incorporated as a CASC subsidiary. Subsequently, Sino Satellite Communications became a subsidiary under China Satellite Communications, with all satellites rebranded under the ChinaSat designation.
In 2016, Sino Satellite Communications divested a 15% equity interest in Beijing Yuxin Electronics to Shenglu Telecommunication.
SinoSat 1
Constructed by Aérospatiale utilizing the Spacebus 3000 platform, SinoSat-1 was launched aboard a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre on 18 July 1998. Positioned at 110.5° East in geostationary orbit, it was subsequently renamed ChinaSat 5B.
SinoSat 1C
The designation SinoSat 1C refers to the Chinese market name for Apstar 2R/Telstar 10.
SinoSat 1D
Within China, SinoSat 1D serves as the brand name for Telstar 18.
SinoSat 2
Built on the DFH-4 satellite bus, SinoSat-2 was launched on 28 October 2006 via Long March 3B; however, failures in deploying solar panels and antennas rendered the satellite inoperative.
SinoSat 3
Launched on 31 May 2007 by Long March 3A into a geosynchronous transfer orbit at 125° East longitude, SinoSat-3 is based on the DFH-3 platform. This mission also marked the centennial launch of a Long March rocket. The satellite was later renamed ChinaSat 5C.
SinoSat 5
Deployed in 2011, SinoSat 5 was subsequently rebranded as ChinaSat 10.
SinoSat 6
Launched in 2010 aboard a Long March 3B vehicle, SinoSat 6 received the new designation ChinaSat 6A.
The ownership of Sino Satellite Communications is predominantly held by government-controlled organizations such as China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), CITIC Group, and China Financial Computerization Corporation. As of December 2007, CASC maintained a commanding majority stake totaling 99.26%, both directly and indirectly.