Long March 3B/E | Tianlian-2-04 (Official TSDG Broadcast)
Video from the channel ThatSpaceDogeGuy about Long March 3B/E, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 17:27. Language: English. Video type: Livestream.
What is being broadcast
Live coverage, from an amateur channel, of the launch of a Long March 3B from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, at night in China. The only footage comes from a restricted-access camera supplied by local contacts. It has no sound and does not frame the pad but the terrain the rocket climbs past; the other planned camera is not working. The host explains that the payload has not been made public (the title identifies it as Tianlian-2-04) and places the launch at 15:55 UTC.
Key moments
During the wait, the host tries filters to improve the night-time image, notes that he follows NOTAM notices and reviews upcoming Chinese launches. He announces he will broadcast the launch of a Long March 7A from Wenchang, scheduled for Saturday 29 March at 16:05 UTC, and that he will not cover a Long March 2D launch because it takes place in daylight. Past the expected time, the camera picks up a flash he interprets as ignition and, shortly after, the rocket's ascent as a point of light.
Outcome
The lift-off is visually confirmed, but the broadcast provides no data on the flight phase. The host closes the coverage and refers viewers to Chinese sources to learn what was launched and how the mission ended.