The Hong Kong-based operator APT Satellite Holdings has ordered a new satellite, APSTAR 7-B, to be manufactured by Thales Alenia Space for E112.3m.
The satellite will launch on 2012 on a Chinese Long March 3-B rocket. The state-owned China Aerospace and…
The Hong Kong-based operator APT Satellite Holdings has ordered a new satellite, APSTAR 7-B, to be manufactured by Thales Alenia Space for E112.3m.
The satellite will launch on 2012 on a Chinese Long March 3-B rocket. The state-owned China Aerospace and Technology Corporation (CASC) has guaranteed that it if any other commercial launch providers come in with lower offers, it will match those prices.
The satellite will be financed through an E100m loan from a China Satcom subsidiary, which has taken over CASC’s 51.68% controlling stake in APT.
Given that CASC and China Satcom merged in 2009, CASC will still maintain the ultimate controlling interest.
APSTAR 7-B will carry 28 C-Band and 23 Ku-band transponders. It will function both as a stand alone satellite and as a back-up replacement for APSTAR 7 in case of any launch failure when that spacecraft launches in early 2012.
According to an APT release, APSTAR 7-B will also function as new satellite capacity for China Satcom. It said: “The parties will both benefit from the synergy as a result of the entering into of the Co-operation Agreement whereby the cost of entering into satellite procurement contracts will be reduced and the risk thereof is better controlled.”