Apstar 1A

Description

APSTAR 1A was a Chinese geosynchronous communications satellite launched by a Long March 3 rocket from the Xichang center in southeastern China. It provided TV coverage to the Asian-Pacific countries through its 24 C-band transponders. It is expected to provide 10 years of service. It had two telescoping cylindrical solar panels and an antenna array that folded down for launch. It measured 2.2 meters in diameter and a compact 3.1 meters tall when stowed for launch. With the solar panels deployed and the antennas unfolded in orbit, it measured 7.5 meters. The solar panels were covered with K-4 3/4 solar cells, which produced 1130 watts at beginning of life. During eclipse, two super nickel cadmium batteries provided power for uninterrupted service.