The launch of the Long March-3B rocket carrying the Apstar-6C satellite. Photo Credit: APT Satellite

APT Satellite successfully launched the Apstar-6C into orbit with the Long March-3B (LM-3B) launch vehicle today from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province of China. Both the satellite and the rocket were developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CALT).

Apstar-6C is the 12th satellite placed in-orbit under a contract between China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), and APT Satellite signed in Oct. 2015.

Apstar-6C, a replacement satellite of Apstar-6, is the second DFH-4 platform satellite that APT Satellite has procured from CGWIC. Positioned at 134 degree east, the geostationary satellite is equipped with 45 transponders in C, Ku, and Ka bands, with a designed service life of 15 years, providing high power transponder services to customers across the Asia-Pacific region for In-Flight Connectivity (IFC), video contribution/distribution, Direct-to-Home (DTH) service and cellular backhaul.

The LM-3B is capable of launching a payload of up to 5,500kg into standard Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). The launch marks the 46th mission of the of LM-3B launch vehicle and the 273rd flight of Long March launch vehicle family.

Meanwhile, APT Mobile SatCom, a corporation established by APT Satellite in Mainland China has been investing and developing Apstar-6D, the third Chinese-made satellite in the Apstar satellite fleet, which will provide high-throughput broadband satellite communication services in the Asia-Pacific region. The Apstar-6D is also designed and manufactured by CGWIC as the prime contractor.