Apstar 6

Apstar 6 is a communications satellite built by Alcatel Space, a subsidiary of Alcatel, and was boosted into orbit on April 12, 2005 by Long March 3B launcher from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. It provides APT Satellite, a satellite operator in the Asia Pacific region, with broadband media and television services. It is fitted with 38 C-band transponders and 12 Ku band transponders. China is covered with a dedicated high power Ku band beam for broadband multimedia transmission. It is the second model of the Spacebus 4000. The transponders have a reduced C-band receiving dish over a wide footprint, which extends across India, China and Australia.

Apstar 6
OperatorAPT Satellite
COSPAR ID2005-012A
SATCAT no.28638
Mission duration15 years
Spacecraft properties
BusSpacebus 4000C1
ManufacturerAlcatel Space
Launch mass5,000 kilograms (11,000 lb)
Start of mission
Launch dateApril 12, 2005 (2005-04-12)
RocketLong March 3B
Launch siteXichang LA-2
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGeostationary
Longitude134° East
Transponders
Band38 C band
12 Ku band
Bandwidth36 MHz
50 MHz
TWTA power64W (C band)
145 (Ku band)
EIRPat Peak: 42 decibel-watts
60 decibel-watts
 

It is significant in enhancing cooperation between Alcatel Space and China as a follow up to the SINOSAT satellite. Apstar 6 was built as an ITAR-free satellite, containing no restricted U.S. components.[1] Under the U.S. ITAR regulations, U.S. satellite components may not be exported for launch on Chinese rockets. However, the U.S. Department of State did not accept the ITAR-free status of these satellites and fined the US company Aeroflex $8 million for selling ITAR components. In 2013, Thales Alenia discontinued its ITAR-free satellite line.[2]

References
  1. Harvey, Brian (2013). China in Space: The Great Leap Forward. New York: Springer. pp. 160–162. ISBN 9781461450436.
  2. Ferster, Warren (5 September 2013). "U.S. Satellite Component Maker Fined $8 Million for ITAR Violations". SpaceNews.


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