Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with the APT Satellite Company Limited, a leading satellite operator in the Asia Pacific Region, for the design, manufacture, and delivery of a high-capacity telecommunication satellite. The contract also includes Launch Campaign, Training, Launch and Early Operational Phase, In Orbit Tests as well as On Site Support, Dynamic Satellite Simulator, Satellite Control Centre and Baseband Subsystem.

APSTAR 7 will provide reliable broadcasting and telecommunications services over the Asia Pacific Region, Africa, Middle East and a part of Europe. Based on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus 4000 C2 platform, APSTAR 7 is equipped with 28 C- and 28 Ku-band active transponders. With electrical power of 11.4 kW and payload power of 8.4 kW, the satellite is expected to have a minimum of 15 years lifetime. It will be launched in the first quarter of 2012 to replace APSTAR 2R currently operated at 76.5 degrees East orbital position. APSTAR 7 is the second satellite ordered from Thales Alenia Space by APT, and the fifth satellite ordered by China (Sinosat 1, APSTAR 6, Chinasat 6B, Chinasat 9, APSTAR 7).