In-orbit communication satellite delivered to Hong Kong firm

BEIJING - China's commercial satellite launch company has completed in-orbit delivery of communication satellite "APSTAR-6C" to its Hong Kong customer, the Science and Technology Daily reported Wednesday.

The satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and launched on May 4 this year by the Long March-3B carrier rocket from southwestern Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

It was delivered to Hong Kong-based APT Satellite Co., Ltd, on Tuesday, according to China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), a commercial agency authorized by the Chinese government to operate commercial launches, provide satellite delivery services and international cooperation.

With a designed life of 15 years, APSTAR-6C will provide communication and satellite broadcasting services to customers across the Asia-Pacific region, and will have a big potential market for providing services to support the Belt and Road Initiative.

It is also the second communication satellite based on the DFH-4 platform to be procured by APT Satellite, following the APSTAR-9, which has provided services to APT Satellite's customers since its launch in 2015.

China has developed 15 communication satellites based on the DFH-4 platform, and the earliest DFH-4 communication satellite has served in orbit for nearly 10 years, said CGWIC.