Cosmic Penguin

So after much ponderings and persistent rumors of at least 1 more Chinese satellite launch before 2020's out, evidences today confirms that, yes, there's one. A Long March 4 series (most probably 4C but can also be 4B) out of Jiuquan towards SSO, on December 27 ~15:40 UTC. (1/12)

This turns out to be a classic example of how the sheer existence of such a Chinese launch/satellite have to be, or can be deduced by rumors, tell tales of official articles, tracking ships movements and air/marine space closure notices. (2/12) https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=52657.msg2172404#msg2172404 …

So firstly there were consistent rumors for several weeks that after seemingly grounded since late October the LM-4 series would be back before 2020 ends. The rumors continues to hold on w/o any basis...until after the Long March 8 test flight flew on the 22nd. (3/12)

Being so late in the year we would expect various state organizations to make "concluding remarks" in their official news after that launch. And here's the caveat: Major rocket builder CALT, S/C builder CAST and Xichang SLC (+Wenchang) all did...but several didn't. (4/12)

The higher-ups (CASC etc.) & notably S/C & rocket builder SAST didn't, hinting at yet another launch afterward before Dec. 31. With the LM-2D & the LM-6 both officially declared their 2020 schedules completed way earlier (Aug. & Nov.) the only choice left is the LM-4. (5/12)