What is APSTAR-6E Satellite?

About APSTAR-6E Satellite:

• It is China's first all-electric propulsion communication satellite.
• Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), this satellite operates in geostationary orbit.
• Launched via a Long March-2C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on January 13, 2023, APSTAR-6E completed its journey to geostationary orbit after separating from its independent propulsion module.
• As the first in its series, APSTAR-6E holds the distinction of being the world’s initialtele communication satellite to autonomously transfer from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit using electric propulsion, marking a significant technological achievement.
• It is designed to last 15 years.
• Its primary mission is to deliver efficient and high-capacity broadband communication services across Southeast Asia, aiming to provide reliable connectivity at a competitive cost.

It carries 25 Ku-band transponders and three Ka-band gateway transponders that can provide a combined communication throughput of 30 gigabytes per second.

Q1: What is a geostationary satellite?

A geostationary satellite is an Earth-orbiting satellite placed at an altitude of approximately 22,300 miles or 35,800 kilometers directly above the equator. These satellites revolve in the same direction the Earth rotates -- west to east.These satellites complete one orbit in about 24 hours, which is the same amount of time it takes for the Earth to rotate once on its axis. The satellite appears to be stationary from the perspective of someone on the ground, as it moves in sync with the Earth's rotation.

Source: China's APSTAR-6E Sets Milestone As First All-Electric Telecom Satellite In Service