At 00:16 Beijing time on October 17, 2015, the APSTAR-9 communications satellite was successfully launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) aboard a Long March-3B launch vehicle.

This launch is conducted in accordance with the APSTAR-9 satellite program contract in November 2013, which is signed by China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), subordinated to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), and APT Satellite Company Limited (APT Satellite). According to the contract, CGWIC, as the Prime Contractor, is tasked to design, manufacture, assemble, test, launch and deliver APT Satellite the APSTAR-9 satellite in orbit and other ground deliverable items necessary for the satellite operation, with the support of its subcontractors which are China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) and China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), also subsidiaries of CASC, and China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC).

APSTAR-9 satellite is designed and manufactured by CAST for APT Satellite. The satellite is based on the DFH-4 platform with a lift-off mass of 5,250 kg and a design life of 15 years. APSTAR-9 satellite is equipped with 46 operational transponders (32 in C-band and 14 in Ku-band) onboard, and will be located at 142° East longitude geostationary orbit to replace APSTAR-9A satellite.

The LM-3B launch vehicle, developed by CALT, is the most powerful launch vehicle for GTO mission in current Long March family and capable of launching a payload up to 5,500 kg into standard GTO.

APT Satellite, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, is one of the leading satellite operators in the Asia Pacific region. Its APSTAR satellites fleet, covering about 75% of the world's population, provides superior "one-stop-shop" satellite transponder leasing, broadcast, Teleport and Network, as well as data center services to broadcasters and telecommunication customers.

APSTAR-9 satellite is the first communications satellite based on DFH-4 platform procured by APT Satellite. It is first time for China Space industry to deliver the communications satellite to an established international operator. It is also the 7^th satellite in-orbit delivery program of CGWIC.

This launch marks the 214^th flight of the Long March family of launch vehicles.

 

Date:2015-10-20