APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED

Media Release

APSTAR-IIR TO BE LAUNCHED IN MID OCTOBER
Hong Kong, 13 October 1997 - APT Satellite Holdings Limited ("APT Satellite") (Stock code: 1045 or ATS) announced today that its third satellite, APSTAR-IIR, will be launched at the launch site in Xichang, China within the period from 16 to 20 October 1997 using the Long March 3B launch vehicle manufactured by China Aerospace Corporation. At the meantime, the satellite and the launch vehicle are in their final stage of testing. Agreements for the launch and third party liability insurance had been signed.

APSTAR-IIR, a FS-1300 model with high output power, is built by Space Systems/Loral Inc. and is equipped with 28 C-band and 16 Ku-band transponders. It is expected that following the successful launch of the satellite and the commencement of commercial operations, together with the other two in-orbit satellites, APSTAR-I and APSTAR-IA, the Company will have set up a comprehensive and advanced satellite system providing quality and reliable satellite transponder services for more than 100 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia, serving approximately 75% of the world's population. Currently, the lease-out rate of APSTAR-I and APSTAR-IA are over 90%. Prior to the launch of APSTAR-IIR, 50% of its transponder capacity have been leased or committed. Its launch service provider, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, had successfully launched five satellites consecutively to their respective designated slots using the Long March series of launch vehicles. This is evident that the quality and reliability of its launch services have been greatly improved.

APT Satellite believes that when APSTAR-IIR is put in service, it will further enhance the Company's revenue.

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For enquiries, please contact

APT Satellite Holdings Limited
Marketing Director, Mr Yang Xue Ming
IR/Company Secretary, Mr Brian Lo
Tel: (852) 2526 2281
Fax: (852) 2522 0419
E-Mail: aptmk@apstar.com
web-site: http://www.apstar.com



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