APT-Hong Kong teams up with China for a new Satellite in Asia-Pacific

APT Satellite Holdings of Hong Kong says it is working on a new joint venture satellite with China. The satellite, APSTAR-6D is to be built and launched by China and is designed to operate in Ku and Ka-band over the Asia-Pacific region.  APT will own 30 per cent of the new satellite.

Reports suggest that the satellite is to be the first of what may end up being a global constellation supplying mobile broadband connectivity for aircraft, marine and land-based mobile markets.

The satellite is due for launch in 2019.

APT has two other satellites under procurement: Apstar-5C being built by Space Systems/Loral, and which is itself a joint-venture craft with Telesat of Canada. APT owns 57.47 per cent of Apstar-5C.  The other satellite is being built in China as Apstar-6C. Both satellites are due for launch in H1/2018.