APSTAR-6C satellite was launched successfully at 00：06 on May 4^th, 2018 by the LM-3B launch vehicle from Xichang Satellite Launch Center at Sichuan province of China. APSTAR-6C satellite will enhance the Asia-Pacific satellite communications, broadcasting services capabilities.

APSTAR-6C satellite is the 12th satellite in-orbit delivery program of China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), subordinated to China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC). The mission is implemented in accordance to the contract for APSTAR-6C satellite program between CGWIC and APT Satellite Company Limited (APT Satellite) signed on October 17th, 2015.

APSTAR-6C satellite which is designed and manufactured by CAST is based on the DFH-4 platform and with a designed life of 15 years. The satellite, equipped with total 45 operational transponders in C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band, will be positioned at 134 degree East Longitude geostationary orbit. It will provide regional communication and satellite broadcasting service covering Asia-Pacific regions of VSAT, video distribution, DTH and cellular backhaul applications.

The LM-3B launch vehicle is developed by CALT. It is capable of launching a payload up to 5,500 kg into standard GTO. The launch mission is the 46th of LM-3B launch vehicle and the 273rd flight of Long March launch vehicle family.

APSTAR-6C satellite is the second communications satellite based on DFH-4 platform procured by APT Satellite. The first in-orbit satellite procured from CGWIC by APT Satellite -- APSTAR-9 has been operating under normal condition and continues to provide reliable and high quality services to APT Satellite's customers since its launch in 2015. Up to now, the earliest DFH-4 communication satellite has served in orbit for more than nine years, and its maturity and reliability has been comprehensively verified and gradually acknowledged by the international satellite operators.

Meanwhile, APT Mobile SatCom Limited (APT Mobile), a corporation established by APT Satellite in Mainland China has been investing and developing APSTAR-6D, the third Chinese-made satellites in APSTAR satellites 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 Prime Contractor.

APT Satellite, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, is the most 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.

CGWIC is a subsidiary company of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It is a commercial agency authorized by the Chinese government to operate commercial launches, satellites system and technology cooperation. It is a system integrator for China aerospace products and services. It can completely supply the satellite on-orbit delivery and the construction of satellite ground systems for international and domestic customers, with all-round and one-stop service to meet the diversified demands of the customers. CGWIC has completed nine in-orbit delivery projects on the communication satellite to international customers, exporting communication satellite system to eight countries and regions including Nigeria, Venezuela, Pakistan, Bolivia, Hong Kong, Laos, Belarus and Algeria.

Date:2018-05-04