On November 8, 2009, China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC)and APT Satellite Company Limited Hong Kong, signed the launch services contract of using a Long March 3B enhanced launch vehicle (LM-3B/E) to launch APSTAR-7 communications satellite in Beijing.
Bases on SPACEBUS 4000 C2 platform of Thales Alenia Space France (TASF), APSTAR-7 has 28 C-Band and 28 Ku-Band transponders onboard, with a total frequency of 11.4 KW and 15 years’ design life. It will be launched in the first half year of 2012 in Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) and will replace APSTAR-2R positioned at 76.5°East Longitude. APT plans to use the C-Band to provide television transmission and satellite communications services to the areas of Asia, Middle East, Africa, Australia and Europe, and use Ku-Band to provide direct broadcast TV, SNG and VSAT services, especially intercontinental Ku communications services to China, Middle-Central Asia and Africa. Moreover, a mobile beam is included in the Ku-Band design to improve the flexible applicability of the satellite.
LM-3B/E launch vehicle is researched and manufactured by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. With its launch capability properly improved based on LM-3B standard launch vehicle, LM-3B/E is capable of launching a payload up to 5500 kg into standard Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
APSTAR-7 launch services program is the 7th cooperation between CGWIC and TASF. Their sincere cooperation for years has promoted the healthy development of bilateral high-tech trade. Previously, China Aerospace has launched 5 satellites for APT Company. And Long March launch vehicles have launched 13 telecommunications satellites for Asia-Pacific area, which accelerates the prosperity of telecommunications industry in this area.