AN extra set of bolts has been screwed into the cover of the AsiaSat2 satellite in a bid to satisfy the satellite's owners and insurers that the upcoming launch will not be a repeat of the Apstar 2 explosion in January.
The satellite will be launched on a Long March 2E rocket, the same type which was used in January, and at the same site - China's Xichang range - but the satellite is a Lockheed Martin 7000 series, while Apstar 2 was a Hughes 601.
Last month, Hughes and the China Great Wall Industry Corp said Apstar 2 failed because of sheer winds which caused either vibration - aggravated by the unique connection between the satellite and the rocket - or damage to the launch vehicle's faring. The extra bolts will be examined by representatives from Lockheed Martin before the launch gets the go-ahead. Then, a choice of date will need to be made.
'Our objective is obviously to secure a launch as soon as possible,' said Sabrina Cubbon, general manager (marketing) for AsiaSat, the satellite operator.
'China has a good record in launching satellites and we are confident they can do the job.' AsiaSat gets a good deal on launch costs in China because of its role in helping China break into the international launch business; AsiaSat was the first foreign group to launch on the mainland.
But insurance for the launch will be more expensive because of the Apstar failure.