# Apstar II

> Failed geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4782197](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4782197)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apstar_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apstar-ii

## Summary
Apstar II was a geostationary communications satellite that failed after its launch in 1995. It was designed to provide telecommunications services but did not achieve operational status. The satellite was launched aboard a Long March 2E rocket from China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 25, 1995
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2E, a Chinese orbital carrier rocket
- **Launch Site**: Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China
- **Mission Status**: Failed to become operational
- **Classification**: Geostationary communications satellite
- **Wikidata Description**: "Failed geostationary communications satellite"

## FAQs
### Q: When was Apstar II launched?
A: Apstar II was launched on January 25, 1995, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Apstar II?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Long March 2E rocket, a Chinese orbital carrier rocket.

### Q: Did Apstar II successfully operate as intended?
A: No, Apstar II is classified as a failed satellite and did not achieve its operational goals.

## Why It Matters
Apstar II represents an early attempt to expand China's presence in satellite communications during the 1990s. Despite its failure, the mission provided valuable insights into the challenges of launching and operating geostationary satellites. The use of the Long March 2E rocket highlighted China's growing capabilities in space technology, even as the failure underscored the risks inherent in space exploration. Studying such setbacks contributes to improvements in subsequent missions, influencing the development of more reliable satellite systems.

## Notable For
- **Failure in Space Mission**: Apstar II is specifically noted for its failure to achieve operational status, a critical lesson in satellite deployment.
- **Use of Long March 2E Rocket**: It was one of the satellites launched using China's Long March 2E carrier rocket, showcasing the rocket's role in early Chinese space efforts.
- **Geostationary Intent**: Designed for geostationary orbit, a key position for telecommunications satellites, despite not fulfilling its mission.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: January 25, 1995
- **Rocket**: Long March 2E, a Chinese-built orbital launch vehicle
- **Launch Site**: Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, China

### Mission Objective
Apstar II was intended to function as a geostationary communications satellite, supporting telecommunications services from a fixed orbital position.

### Outcome
- **Failure**: The satellite failed to achieve operational status post-launch. Specific details about the failure cause are not provided in the source material.
- **Classification**: Officially designated as a "failed geostationary communications satellite" in Wikidata.

### Context
The mission was part of broader efforts to deploy satellite-based telecommunications infrastructure, reflecting the global reliance on space-based systems for communication. Despite the failure, the launch demonstrated China's active participation in space technology development during the 1990s.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report