Press Release
Successful Long March 3B Launch Boosts Confidence For APSTAR-IIR
Hong Kong, August 20, 1997 - Long March 3B, a launch vehicle designed and built by China Great Wall Industry Corporation, successfully launched a Philippines communications satellite into a prescribed orbit on August 20, 1997, according to sources in t he PRC. The success of the Long March 3B is the fourth consecutive successful launch of Long March fleets since October 1996. It marked the improved reliability of the launch vehicle following the failure of its maiden flight in February last year further boosting customer's confidence for next months's launch of APSTAR-IIR by the same launch vehicle.
APSTAR-IIR is the third satellite of APT Satellite Holdings Limited (Stock code: 1045 or ATS). Built by Space Systems/Loral Inc. at a total project cost of US$220 million, the satellite is equipped with 28 C-band and 16 Ku-band transponders. Its C-band transponders cover over 100 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia, serving approximately 75% of the world's population.
The launch vehicle of the satellite, which is currently at Xichange Satellite Launch Centre in China, is now in the final stages of preparation for next month's launch. When successfully launched and commences commercial operations, APSTAR-IIR, togeth er with APSTAR-I and APSTAR-IA, will further expand the company's business and strengthen its services to customers.
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APT Satellite Holdings Limited
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