Beijing, May 5th, 2010 - China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and Hong Kong based APT Satellite Company Limited signed the APSTAR-7B satellite launch services contract on April 23, 2010.
According to the contract, APSTAR-7B satellite, a SpaceBus 4000C2 based telecommunication satellite, developed by Thales Alenia Space, will be launched by Long March 3B enhanced version launch vehicle (LM-3B/E) from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in the second half of 2012.
The LM-3B/E launch vehicle, developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC), is the most powerful launch vehicle for Geo-stationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) mission in the Long March series of launch vehicles. The standard GTO payload capability of LM-3B/E is 5,500kg.
Up to date, CGWIC has completed 30 commercial launch missions for 36 satellites and 6 piggy-back missions since 1990. APSTAR-7B satellite will be the seventh APT satellite launched by Long March launch vehicles.
About CGWIC
As a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) acts as a platform of CASC for international cooperation. Established in 1980, CGWIC is the sole commercial organization authorized by the Chinese government to provide international commercial launch services, satellite in-orbit delivery and to conduct international space technology cooperation.