APSTAR-IIR, using an FS-1300 satellite with high power output built by Space Systems/Loral Inc, is the third satellite of APT Satellite. With an operational life of 15 years, the satellite is equipped with 28 C-band and 16 Ku-band transponders with the TWTA power level of 60W and 110W respectively. Upon the completion of the in-orbit testing, APSTAR-IIR is expected to begin its commercial operation in mid November 1997.

APSTAR-IIR, together with the other two in-orbit satellites, APSTAR-I and APSTAR-IA, will provide transponder services for broadcasting and telecommunications sectors in more than 100 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia, serving 75% of the world's population.

Equipped with a higher EIRP value and reliable Ku-band transponders, APSTAR-IIR can directly transmit television programs to the densely populated areas covered by its Ku-band transponder beams, paving the way for the company's development of direct broadcast satellite services.

Before the launch of APSTAR-IIR, 50% of its transponder capacity was already leased or committed. APT Satellite expects that when APSTAR-IIR is operational, its lease-out rate will increase further, bringing substantial revenue to the company.

Due to the rapid development of the telecommunications and broadcast business in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China, the demand for satellite transponders will continue to grow at high levels in the future. The successful launch of APSTAR-IIR will ensure the Company has an even stronger foothold in the Asia-Pacific and China markets and lay the foundations for a superior direct satellite broadcasting business.

   Contact: 

   For enquiries, please contact:
   APT Satellite Holdings Ltd
   Marketing Director, Mr Yang Xue Ming
   IR/Company Secretary, Mr Brian Lo
   Tel:  (852) 2526 2281
   Fax:  (852) 2522 0419
        or
   Gavin Anderson & Co(HK) Ltd
   Fabrice Baron/Aubrey Ho
   Tel:  (852) 2523 7189
   Fax:  (852) 2810 1239