China successfully launched the Apstar 6D communictions satellite at 1210 GMT on 9 July on a Long March 3B launch vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. The satellite is owned by the APT Satellite Company Ltd and will be used for Ku-/Ka-band high-throughput communications. Once the satellite reaches the geostationary belt from its transfer orbit drop-off point, it will be positioned at the 134 degrees East slot.
