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APSTAR-6E

17th July, 2024

APSTAR-6E

Source: NEWSX

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

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:

  1. APSTAR-6E is a geostationary communications satellite.
  2. It was launched by the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
  3. 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

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c)