Satellite was launched by Long March-2C carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center and successfully entered its planned orbit on Jan 13.

China’s APSTAR-6E tele-communication satellite has recently separated from its independent propulsion module and begun its electrically propelled orbit change journey.

The satellite was launched by a Long March-2C carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center and successfully entered its planned orbit on January 13.

The APSTAR-6E is China’s first satellite to change orbit entirely autonomously, according to the CASC, as a new-generation economical commercial satellite with high performance, efficiency, and cost performance.

The satellite will be transferred to synchronous orbit by its two electric propulsion systems after it separates from its independent propulsion module. The satellite will primarily be used to provide low-cost, high-throughput broadband communication services to Southeast Asia.

The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) created the 4,607-pound (2,090-kilogram) satellite, which is based on a new, small DFH-3E satellite platform with all-electric propulsion.

The satellite was launched into low-Earth orbit but will spend the majority of the year increasing its altitude to geostationary orbit, which is 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometres) above the equator. APStar 6E was launched with a detachable propulsion system that will propel the satellite into a higher orbit, after which it will complete the months-long journey to geostationary orbit using its own propulsion.

APStar 6E is expected to operate from a fixed position over 134 degrees east latitude for 15 years. It will then offer 30 gigabits per second of payload capacity via 25 Ku-band and 3 Ka-band user beams.

The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) is a research and development organization that focuses on the design, development, and production of spacecraft and associated technologies in China.

It is a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. CAST is responsible for the design and development of a wide range of spacecraft, including satellites, launch vehicles, and manned spacecraft. It also conducts research in areas such as space science, space technology, and space applications.