Dedicated Missions

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Dedicated Mission

APSTAR-7 at 76.5° East


Launch date

31 March 2012

Position

76,5° East

Manufacturer

Thales Alenia Space

Operator

APT Satellite Co.

Launch operator

CGWIC

Launch vehicle

Long March 3B

Expected lifetime

15+ Years

Regions

Asia Pacific Region
Europe Region
North & Central Africa Region
Oceania Region
South Africa Region

The APSTAR-7 satellite is located at 76,5° East Geostationary orbit covering Asia, Europe, Australia and Africa in C-band and China. Middle-East and Africa in steerable Ku-band.

The spacecraft was constructed by Thales Alenia Space as an ITAR-free satellite, containing no restricted American components. The USA prohibits the export of satellite components when a Chinese launcher will be used. Ironically, the US Department of Defense leased bandwidth on APSTAR-7 in May 2012 to improve communications with the U.S. Africa Command. In 2013, Thales Alenia Space was forced to discontinue its ITAR-free satellite line after US supplier Aeroflex admitted that it had sold them ITAR-controlled components.

The 5,054kgs heavy APSTAR-7 satellite was launched on March 31st, 2012 by launch operator CGWIC from China on a Long March CZ/3B rocket. The satellite has a planned operational lifespan of over 15 years.

 

Dedicated Mission

APSTAR-7 at 76.5° East


APSTAR-7 satellite in fairing
APSTAR-7 satellite launch
APSTAR-7 in orbit

Dedicated Mission

APSTAR-7 at 76.5° East


Dedicated Mission

APSTAR-7 at 76.5° East


APSTAR-7 Africa Ku-Band Beam
APSTAR-7 China Ku-Band Beam
APSTAR-7 Global C-Band Beam
APSTAR-7 MENA Ku-Band Beam
APSTAR-7 Steerable Ku-Band Beam