APT Satellite Holdings Limited announced today that a Long March 3B launch vehicle, built by China Great Wall Industry Corporation, successfully launched the APSTAR-IIR satellite into designated orbit at 3:13 am Hong Kong Time on Oct 17, 1997. The satellite was launched in Xichang, Sichuan province, China.
APSTAR-IIR, using an FS-1300 satellite with high power output built by Space Systems/Loral Inc, is the third satellite of APT
Satellite. With an operational life of 15 years, the satellite is equipped with 28 C-band and 16 Ku-band transponders with the
TWTA power level of 60W and 110W respectively. Upon the completion of the in-orbit testing, APSTAR-IIR is expected to
begin its commercial operation in mid November 1997.
APSTAR-IIR, together with the other two in-orbit satellites, APSTAR-I and APSTAR-IA, will provide transponder services
for broadcasting and telecommunications sectors in more than 100 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia,
serving 75% of the world's population.
Equipped with a higher EIRP value and reliable Ku-band transponders, APSTAR-IIR can directly transmit television programs
to the densely populated areas covered by its Ku-band transponder beams, paving the way for the company's development of
direct broadcast satellite services.
Before the launch of APSTAR-IIR, 50% of its transponder capacity was already leased or committed. APT Satellite expects
that when APSTAR-IIR is operational, its lease-out rate will increase further, bringing substantial revenue to the company.
Due to the rapid development of the telecommunications and broadcast business in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in
China, the demand for satellite transponders will continue to grow at high levels in the future. The successful launch of
APSTAR-IIR will ensure the Company has an even stronger foothold in the Asia-Pacific and China markets and lay the
foundations for a superior direct satellite broadcasting business.
