APStar 7

Spacecraft nº:

Chinese spacecraft nº: 180

Launch data: Designation  38107 / 12013A Launch date  31 March 2012 - 10:27 UT Launch site  Xichang, LC-2 Launch vehicle  CZ-3B/E Mission  Commercial: Communications Geostationary orbit on Apr 22.01: Perigee / Apogee  35783 x 35789 km Eccentricity  0.00008 Inclination  0.05 deg Period  1436.08 min

Description:

• APSTAR 7 is a communications satellite designed to broadcast television signals, and provide Internet access and network data solutions across the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East for a Hong Kong-based satellite operator. The satellite is outfitted with 28 C-band and 28 Ku-band transponders to serve China, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Australia, and part of Europe. Apstar 7 will broadcast television programming, facilitate corporate data networks, and serve Internet users during its 15-year design life. Apstar 7 was built by Thales Alenia Space of France using an 'ITAR-free' version of the company's Spacebus 4000 C2 satellite platform. Thales avoids U.S. government regulations by not using U.S. satellite components in its ITAR-free satellites. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR, classifies U.S. satellite parts as munitions, preventing their launch on Chinese rockets.
• Apstar 7 will replace the Apstar 2R spacecraft, which is near the end of its design life.

Mission details:

• A Chinese Chang Zheng 3B/E vehicle flew to supersynchronous geostationary transfer orbit from Xichang on Mar 31, 2012 carrying a commercial payload. On Apr 1 Apstar 7 was in a 2328 x 50123 km x 27.4 deg orbit; as of Apr 11 more recent orbital data was not available.