Watch the Launch

Watch the Launch

APStar-6D

Overview

Destination: Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Mission: Communications

Geostationary Transfer Orbit Launch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1) Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

APStar-6D is a commercial communications satellite for APT Satellite Company Ltd under an end-to-end contract signed with China Great Wall Industry Corp. (CGWIC) for satellite production and launch services. It will deliver VSAT, video distribution, Direct-to-home television and cellular backhaul to the Asia-Pacific Region.

Long March 3B/E

Family:
Configuration: B/E

The Long March 3B / E (G2) (CZ-3B / E) is one of the most successful medium-range launchers and the strongest variant of the CZ-3 series. It was specially developed for the transport of heavy communications satellites into a geostationary transfer orbit. The additional designation "E" stands for a higher payload fairing, stretched boosters and extended fuel tanks at the first stage, over the CZ-3B.

Specifications
  • Stages
    3
  • Length
    56.3 m
  • Diameter
    3.35 m
  • Fairing Diameter
    4.2 m
  • Launch Mass
    456.0 T
  • Thrust
    5924.0 kN
Family
  • Name
    Long March 3B/E
  • Family
  • Variant
    B/E
  • Alias
    CZ-3B/E
  • Full Name
    Long March 3B/E
Payload Capacity
  • Launch Cost
    $70000000
  • Low Earth Orbit
    12000.0 kg
  • Geostationary Transfer Orbit
    5500.0 kg
  • Direct Geostationary
  • Sun-Synchronous Capacity

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

(CASC)

Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei Founded: 1999 Successes: 599 Failures: 16 Pending: 9

Agency Type:

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.

INFO WIKI
Spaceflight Now

High-throughput communications satellite launched from China

SpaceNews

Apstar-6D launches on Long March 3B rocket

NASA Spaceflight

Long March 3B launches APStar-6D

Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

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