China's first telecommunications satellite, powered by all-electric propulsion, has officially launched its operational services, following comprehensive in-orbit and ground system technical evaluations in Hong Kong.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the satellite's developer, has officially confirmed these developments. Named APSTAR-6E, this satellite operates in geostationary orbit and utilizes the DFH-3E satellite platform. It boasts a designed lifespan of 15 years.
Latest Network News: China Debuts First 6G Test Network Utilizing 4G Infrastructure
Since launching aboard a Long March 2C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the Sichuan province in January 2023, the satellite has engaged in a 514-day journey from its deployment in low-Earth orbit to its designated geosynchronous orbit position.
All in-orbit tests for the satellite have reportedly concluded and the results have been reviewed and approved by an expert panel, which convened in Hong Kong.
Telecom Review Asia Exclusive Feature: Inside China's Cutting-Edge Innovation Terrain
According to Wang Min, the satellite's chief designer, APSTAR-6E weighed 4.3 metric tons at liftoff and is equipped with 25 Ku-band transponders along with three Ka-band gateway transponders. These components enable a total communication throughput of 30 gigabytes per second.
The satellite's primary mission is to deliver high-throughput broadband communication services to Southeast Asian nations.
Telecom Review Asia Analysis: China's Directive for Chip Independence Amidst US-China Tech Rivalry
