APSTAR-6E: First All-Electric Telecom Satellite In Service

APSTAR-6E

Source: NEWSX

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Context

China’s APSTAR-6E satellite, powered entirely by electric propulsion, has officially begun operating after successfully passing technical reviews both in orbit and on the ground in Hong Kong.

Details

APSTAR-6E

APSTAR-6E is a geostationary communication satellite developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and ordered by APT Satellite, a Hong Kong-based satellite operator.
The satellite was launched on January 13, 2023, using a Long March 2C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

Technical Specifications

Platform:DFH-3E Bus
Mass:4,300 kg at launch, 2,090 kg dry mass
Orbit:Geostationary at 134° East
Lifespan:Expected service life of over 15 years
Propulsion:All-electric, a significant innovation making it the first of its kind for Chinese satellites

DFH-3E BUS

The Dong Fang Hong 3E (DFH-3E) Bus is a satellite platform developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It is a part of the DFH satellite series, known for its reliability and adaptability for various space missions.

Features

High Payload Capacity: The DFH-3E Bus can carry multiple payloads, making it suitable for complex missions requiring various instruments.

Power Supply: Equipped with efficient solar arrays and batteries, it provides a reliable power supply to onboard instruments.

Propulsion System: Includes advanced propulsion technology for orbit insertion, station-keeping, and maneuvers.

Modular Design: The platform’s modular architecture allows for customization based on mission requirements, facilitating the integration of different types of payloads.

Enhanced Communication: It supports high-bandwidth communication capabilities, essential for data-intensive applications like remote sensing and telecommunications.

Stability and Control: Advanced attitude control systems ensure the stability and precise orientation of the satellite, crucial for accurate data collection and transmission.

Capabilities and Services

APSTAR-6E is equipped with 25 Ku-band user beams and 3 Ka-band gateway beams, providing a total payload capacity of 30 Gbps.
It focuses on delivering cost-effective, high-throughput broadband telecommunication services, primarily targeting the Southeast Asia region.

Innovation

All-Electric Propulsion:APSTAR-6E is the first Chinese satellite to feature all-electric propulsion, which allows for a fully autonomous orbit transfer from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit. This technology reduces launch mass and cost while enhancing operational efficiency.
Advanced Features:The satellite incorporates full automation capabilities for orbit raising and long-term station-keeping, making it a pioneer in satellite autonomy and operational efficiency.

Operational Goals

The primary mission of APSTAR-6E is to enhance broadband communication infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region, providing reliable and high-speed internet services to a broad range of users, including businesses and remote communities.

Different Types of Propulsion Systems used in Satellites

Type of Propulsion System	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Chemical Propulsion	Uses chemical reactions to produce thrust (e.g., bipropellant or monopropellant systems).	High thrust, quick maneuvering, reliable.	Limited fuel supply, higher mass, more complex handling.
Electric Propulsion	Uses electric or magnetic fields to accelerate ions or plasma (e.g., ion thrusters, Hall effect).	High efficiency, longer operational life, lower fuel mass.	Low thrust, long time to achieve high speed, complex technology.
Cold Gas Propulsion	Expels inert gas through a nozzle to produce thrust.	Simple design, safe, reliable.	Very low efficiency and thrust, limited to small maneuvers.
Solar Sail Propulsion	Uses radiation pressure from sunlight on large reflective sails to produce thrust.	No propellant needed, potentially unlimited range.	Very low thrust, large area required, slow acceleration.
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion	Uses nuclear reactions to heat a propellant that is then expelled to produce thrust.	High efficiency and thrust, long missions possible.	Complex technology, safety concerns, political and regulatory issues.
Hybrid Propulsion	Combines features of chemical and electric propulsion systems to optimize performance.	Balances thrust and efficiency, adaptable for various missions.	Complex design, integration challenges, potential reliability issues.

Satellites Using Electric Propulsion

Satellite	Launch Date	Operator	Platform	Electric Propulsion Type	Primary Mission
APSTAR-6E	January 13, 2023	APT Satellite	DFH-3E	Ion thrusters	High-throughput broadband services in Asia-Pacific
SES-12	June 4, 2018	SES S.A.	Eurostar E3000e	Hall effect thrusters	Direct-to-home TV and broadband in Asia-Pacific and Middle East
Eutelsat 172B	June 1, 2017	Eutelsat	Eurostar E3000e	Hall effect thrusters	Broadband, mobility, and data services in Asia-Pacific
Intelsat 29e	January 27, 2016	Intelsat	EpicNG	Hall effect thrusters	High-throughput services across the Americas and North Atlantic
GOES-R Series	November 19, 2016	NOAA/NASA	A2100	Ion thrusters	Weather forecasting and environmental monitoring
Koreasat 5A	October 30, 2017	KT SAT	Spacebus 4000B2	Electric propulsion (Xenon)	Direct-to-home broadcasting and broadband
Boeing 702SP	February 1, 2015	ABS, Eutelsat	Boeing 702SP	Ion thrusters	Telecommunications
ViaSat-2	June 1, 2017	ViaSat Inc.	Boeing 702	Ion thrusters	High-speed satellite internet
JCSAT-14	May 6, 2016	SKY Perfect JSAT	Spacebus 4000C4	Electric propulsion (Xenon)	Telecommunications
SES-15	May 18, 2017	SES S.A.	Boeing 702	Electric propulsion (Xenon)	High-throughput services across the Americas

Must Read Articles:

Propulsion System

Types of Earth Orbits

Space Communication

Sources:

NEWSX

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: With reference to the APSTAR-6E satellite, consider the following statements:

APSTAR-6E is a geostationary communications satellite.
It was launched by the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
APSTAR-6E provides coverage primarily over the Asia-Pacific region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c)