APSTAR-6D Satellite Enters Pre-Selected Orbit

The APSTAR-6D satellite entered the selected orbit at 134.5°E on July 17 after an eight-day flight, laying a solid foundation for its future operations.

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), APSTAR-6D is a high-throughput satellite in geostationary earth orbit.

It was made by the Dongfanghong-4 enhanced satellite (DFH-4E) platform and has a designed lifespan of 15 years.

Despite the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company was strict on flight control and carried out high quality telemetering system checks, orbit calculations, confirmation of fault responses and emergency orders as well as measurement and control rehearsals.

The satellite changed orbits five times and had three fixed-point capturing tests, during which all sub-systems and orders were examined and monitored attentively.

Tests on unfolding of solar wings and the antenna, adjustment of satellite attitude, pre-treatment of electric propulsion and the start of the repeater's operations were also conducted smoothly.

The satellite was stable throughout orbit changing.

Performance of the solar wings and other technologies including transformation and energy self-management by the new generation electrical source controller, high-power distribution and transmission and automated orbital transfer at the apogee was satisfactory. Auto-tracking holding and the sensors' automatic calibration were also tested before the satellite reached its orbit.

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)