APSTAR 7

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APSTAR 7 is classified as:

Geostationary

NORAD ID: 38107

Int'l Code: 2012-013A

Perigee: 35,781.2 km

Apogee: 35,805.9 km

Inclination: 0.0 °

Period: 1,436.1 minutes

Semi major axis: 42164 km

RCS: 0.003 m² (small)

Launch date: March 31, 2012
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Launch site: Xichang Space Center, China (XSC)

APSTAR 7 is a communications satellite designed to broadcast television signals, and provide Internet access and network data solutions across the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East for a Hong Kong-based satellite operator. The satellite is outfitted with 28 C-band and 28 Ku-band transponders to serve China, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Australia, and part of Europe. Apstar 7 will broadcast television programming, facilitate corporate data networks, and serve Internet users during its 15-year design life. Apstar 7 was built by Thales Alenia Space of France using an 'ITAR-free' version of the company's Spacebus 4000 C2 satellite platform. Thales avoids U.S. government regulations by not using U.S. satellite components in its ITAR-free satellites. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR, classifies U.S. satellite parts as munitions, preventing their launch on Chinese rockets. Apstar 7 will replace the Apstar 2R spacecraft, which is near the end of its design life.