[Satellite TODAY 10-02-09] Thales Alenia Space signed a contract with China’s APT Satellite to design, manufacture and deliver Apstar 7, a high-capacity telecommunication satellite, Thales Alenia Space announced Sept. 29.
    The contract also includes training and in-orbit testing as well as on-site support and the provision of a dynamic satellite simulator, satellite control center and baseband subsystem.
    Apstar 7, based on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus 4000 C2 platform, will provide broadcasting and telecommunications services over the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, the Middle East and a part of Europe. The spacecraft will be equipped with 28 C-band and 28 Ku-band transponders.
    Launch is scheduled for the 2012 first quarter, and Apstar 7 will replace Apstar 2R at 76.5 degrees East.

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