Successful launches for the Apstar-9 and Türksat 4-B satellites have added direct-to-home (DTH) satellite capacity for broadcasters across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Hong Kong-based APT Satellite saw its Apstar-9 satellite launched into a designated orbit 142° East aboard the Long March 3B/E launch vehicle on 17 October 2015. The satellite comprises a C-band Asia Pacific beam, a C-band South East Asia beam and a Ku-band beam covering a region stretching from the East India Ocean to West Pacific Ocean.
After completion of its in-orbit tests customers of its existing Apstar 9A will be moved to the new DFH-4-based satellite.
"The successful launch of Apstar-9 satellite marks a major milestone in the company's history. It has 46 transponders in total, which will enable us to expand our satellite service and customer base. It will also help broaden our revenue stream and strengthen our competitive edges and growth potential going forward. The footprint design of Apstar-9 Satellite covers broad oceanic region supporting the in-flight connectivity and maritime demands," said Cheng Guangren, executive director and president, APT.
Turkey's latest satellite, Türksat 4-B, has also been recently launched, by an ILS Proton M launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It is the second launch by ILS for Türksat, which saw its 4A satellite placed in orbit in February 2014.
Türksat 4-B will be positioned at 50° East, and comprises multiple transponders spanning Turkey, as well as Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Mitsubishi Electric, manufacturer of both Türksat 4B and 4A, will conduct in-orbit testing until December before handing over control to Türksat.
In related news, APT has also announced it has contracted China Great Wall Industry (Hong Kong) to build it a new satellite, Apstar-6C. With a lifespan of 15 years and 45 transponders, the satellite will provide DTH, video distribution, VSAT and cellular backhaul applications across the Asia-Pacific.
Apstar-6C will replace the in-orbit satellite Apstar-6.