[Satellite TODAY 05-03-10] Hong Kong-based operator APT Satellite Holdings purchased an Apstar 7B satellite and satellite control ground center from Thales Alenia Space for 112.3 million euros ($148.7 million), APT announced.
    Apstar 7B will carry 28 C-band and 23 Ku-band transponders using a Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus 4000 C2 platform. The launch will be provided by a Chinese Long March rocket in late 2012, and as part of the launch deal, China has promised APT that it will match lower offers from other commercial launch companies if it receives better terms in the future.
    Apstar 7B also will serve as a capacity backup in case the Apstar 7 satellite, which Thales Alenia Space was contracted to build in September 2009 for 128.5 million Euros ($170.1 million), fails to enter service in mid-2012.

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