Hong Kong’s APT in Chinese satellite j-v
March 30, 2017
By Chris Forrester
APT Satellite Holdings of Hong Kong says it will invest US$86 million in a new joint venture satellite with China. The satellite, APSTAR-6D is to be built and launched by China and is designed to operate in Ku and Ka-band over the Asia-Pacific region. APT will own 30 per cent of the new satellite.
Reports suggest that the satellite is to be the first of what may end up being a global constellation supplying mobile broadband connectivity for aircraft, marine and land-based mobile markets.
The satellite is due for launch in 2019.
APT, in a report in trade mag Space Intel Report, say that the expansion of their commitment would be taken on a satellite-by-satellite basis.
In the year to December 31st 2016 APOT reported revenues of $158 million, up 3 per cent on the 2015 position.
APT has two other satellites under procurement: Apstar-5C being built by Space Systems/Loral, and which is itself a joint-venture craft with Telesat of Canada. APT owns 57.47 per cent of Apstar-5C. The other satellite is being built in China as Apstar-6C. Both satellites are due for launch in H1/2018.