International communications satellite operator Intelsat is buying the Astrium-built APR-3 Ku-band satellite from China's Sinosat. The purchase is part of a strategic partnership between China's satellite communications organisation and Intelsat.
APR-3 is set for launch aboard a Long March booster in 2002, to be placed at 85°E in geostationary orbit (GEO).
In return, Sinosat will acquire the rights to use of six of the APR-3 transponders from Intelsat, as well as two C-band transponders on an Intelsat satellite to be launched in October 2003 into a 178íE position in GEO.
Intelsat has 10 satellites on order - seven Intelsat 9s, two Intelsat 10s and the APR-3.
The Long March flight ofAPR-3 will be the first commercial launch by China since the embargo on launches was lifted.
Source: Flight International
