APT satellite set for launch

The delayed launch of APT Satellite Holding's third satellite will take place either later this week or early next week, the company says.

ApStar-2R will be launched sometime between this Thursday and next Monday from Xichang on the mainland.

The company is using the China Aerospace Corp Long March 3B rocket system to get the satellite into orbit.

The company yesterday said both launch vehicle and satellite were in the final stages of testing. It said agreements for launch and third-party liability insurance had been signed.

The initial launch of the satellite was to have been in July-August of this year.

The Long March rocket system has among the worst track records for successful delivery of satellites.