China’s first all-electric propulsion communication satellite begins operational services

China's first all-electric propulsion communication satellite (Asia-Pacifc-6E, or the APStar-6E) successfully passed in-orbit technology verification and ground station technology reviews in Hong Kong on Monday, becoming fully operational, according to spacecraft manufacturer China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC). All tests outlined in the in-orbit testing protocol were completed successfully. The APStar-6E's payload is functioning normally, with performance consistent with ground test results and meeting contractual specifications and in-orbit operational requirements, the CGWIC told the Global Times. The APStar-6E is a geostationary orbit satellite based on the DFH-3E satellite platform, with a designed lifespan of 15 years. The satellite focuses on the Southeast Asian market, providing the region with high-capacity, cost-effective broadband communication services. The APStar-6E communication satellite and its independent propulsion module were launched by a Long March-2C carrier rocket at the X ichang Satellite Launch Centre in Southwest China's Sichuan Province on 13th January 2023. After separating from its independent propulsion module, the satellite was transferred to the synchronous orbit by its two electric propulsion systems. Source: Emirates News Agency