The Chinese mainland's first all-electric propulsion telecommunication satellite, APSTAR-6E, officially began its operational services on Monday. Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), APSTAR-6E marks a significant advancement in satellite technology.
Based on the DFH-3E satellite platform, APSTAR-6E boasts a designed lifespan of 15 years. This geostationary orbit satellite is the world's first telecommunication satellite to achieve fully autonomous orbit transfer from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit, a feat highlighted by CASC.
Launched on January 13, 2023, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March-2C carrier rocket, APSTAR-6E successfully separated from its independent propulsion module and transferred to its synchronous orbit using two electric propulsion systems.
The satellite is primarily tasked with providing cost-effective, high-throughput broadband communication services to the Southeast Asia region, enhancing connectivity and supporting the region's growing digital infrastructure needs.
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China's telecom satellite APSTAR-6E begins operational services
cgtn.com
