# APStar 7

> Chinese communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4034241](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4034241)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apstar_7)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apstar-7

## Summary

APStar 7 is a communications satellite.[1]It is associated with the People's Republic of China.[1]

## Summary
APStar 7 is a Chinese communications satellite operated by APT Satellite Holdings, launched in 2012 to provide telecommunications services via a geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** March 31, 2012, at 10:27:04 UTC.
- **Operator:** APT Satellite Holdings.
- **Country of Origin:** China (People's Republic of China), manufactured by Thales Alenia Space (France).
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 3B (Y22 variant) from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
- **Mass:** 5054 kg (launch weight).
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Spacebus-4000C2.
- **Power Systems:** 2 spacecraft solar arrays and 1 S400 battery.
- **Design Life:** 15 years.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2012-013A / NSSDCA ID: 2012-013A.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of APStar 7?
A: APStar 7 is a communications satellite, designed to provide telecommunications services, including broadcasting, data transmission, and broadband access, from its geostationary orbit position.

### Q: Who manufactured and operates APStar 7?
A: APStar 7 was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space (France) and is operated by APT Satellite Holdings, a Chinese company.

### Q: How long was APStar 7 designed to operate?
A: APStar 7 has a design life of 15 years, as specified in its specifications.

### Q: When and where was APStar 7 launched?
A: APStar 7 was launched on March 31, 2012, at 10:27:04 UTC from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China using a Long March 3B rocket.

## Why It Matters
APStar 7 plays a critical role in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure across Asia-Pacific and surrounding regions. As a geostationary communications satellite, it provides essential services such as television broadcasting, broadband internet access, and data links for businesses and governments. Its operation by APT Satellite Holdings supports regional connectivity, enabling economic development, media distribution, and communication in underserved areas. The satellite's 15-year design life ensures sustained service delivery, making it a significant asset for the region's digital infrastructure and international communications capabilities.

## Notable For
- **Power Configuration:** Features dual spacecraft solar arrays and a single S400 battery, providing sustained power for its communications payload.
- **Manufacturing Origin:** Built by the French company Thales Alenia Space, despite being a Chinese-operated satellite.
- **Spacecraft Platform:** Utilizes the Spacebus-4000C2 bus model, a platform designed for high-capacity geostationary communications.
- **APT Fleet Member:** A core satellite in APT Satellite Holdings' fleet, serving the Asia-Pacific market.
- **Long Service Life:** Designed for a 15-year operational lifespan, ensuring extended service delivery.

## Body
### Mission Overview
APStar 7 is a dedicated communications satellite focused on providing telecommunications services. Its primary mission is to enable television broadcasting, data transmission, and broadband connectivity from geostationary orbit. Managed by APT Satellite Holdings, it targets the Asia-Pacific and surrounding regions, supporting diverse communication needs.

### Launch Details
- **Date & Time:** March 31, 2012, 10:27:04 UTC.
- **Launch Site:** Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 3B rocket, specifically the Y22 variant.
- **Result:** Successful deployment into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), subsequently maneuvered to its final operational geostationary slot.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass:** 5054 kilograms (launch weight).
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Spacebus-4000C2, a platform developed by Thales Alenia Space.
- **Power:** Powered by 2 spacecraft solar arrays generating electricity and 1 S400 battery for energy storage.
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit, maintaining a fixed position relative to Earth's surface.
- **Design Life:** 15 years, representing its intended operational duration.

### Ownership and Origin
- **Operator:** APT Satellite Holdings.
- **Country:** People's Republic of China.
- **Manufacturer:** Thales Alenia Space (France).
- **Design Life Basis:** 15 years is the specified design life criterion.

### Identifiers
- **COSPAR ID:** 2012-013A.
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2012-013A.
- **SCN:** 38107.
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0jt0gp5.
- **Wolfram Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "38107"].

### Operational Context
- **Satellite Of:** Operates within geostationary orbit.
- **Significant Event:** The rocket launch event occurred on March 31, 2012, at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
- **Described At:** Official resources available in Chinese (https://www.apstar.com/cn/apstar-fleet/sat-apstar-7/) and English (https://www.apstar.com/en/apstar-fleet/apstar-7/).

### Associated Entities
- **Class:** Instance of both communications satellite and geostationary satellite classes.
- **Related Rocket:** Long March 3B (orbital carrier rocket class).

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/apstar-7.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013