Beijing, October 23, 2002-The APSTAR VI launch services contract was signed today between Hong Kong-based APT Satellite CO., LTD (APT) and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) in Beijing. Mr. He Dongfeng, Vice President of APT, and his CGWIC counterpart Mr. Liu Zhixiong executed the contract on behalf of the two parties. CGWIC will launch the satellite using a Long March 3B launch vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the fourth quarter of 2004.
APSTAR VI, to be built by French Alcatel Space Industries, is a powerful communications satellite based on Alcatel’s SB4100C1 platform, and has an expected in-orbit life span of 13 years. It is fitted with 38 C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders which will provide broadcasting and telecommunications services to China, Southeast Asia, Australia and Hawaii. APSTAR VI will become a major platform for regional TV broadcasting.
China Great Wall Industry Corporation has provided international commercial launch services since 1990 and its Long March launch vehicle fleet has successfully placed 27 foreign satellites into orbit. The LM-3B, the most powerful and reliable launch vehicle in the fleet, has achieved 4 consecutive successful launches since August, 1997.
The signing of the APSTAR VI launch services contract is further testimony to the Long March fleet’s excellent reputation in the global space sector.