A Long March 3B-G2 (CZ-3B-G2) launch vehicle lifted off from the Xichang launch site in China at 1606 GMT on 3 March 2018. Aboard was a 5,250kg communcations satellite APSTAR 6C which was being launched under a construction and delivery to orbit contract for the Hong Kong-based APT Satellite Holdings (APSTAR). The APSTAR 6C communications satellite, which was built by ITS – Institute of Telecommunication Satellites (Part of CAST) under the prime contractor China Great Wall Industries Corp (CGWIC), is carrying 45 transponders in C-, Ku- and Ka-bands for VSAT, video distribution, Direct-to-Home (DTH) services and cellular backhaul applications. APSTAR 6C will replace the current APSAR 6 satellite at the 134 degrees East slot in the geostationary orbital arc.
Post Script: One of the rocket boosters fell close to Heba Town in Shiqian County. No significant damage was caused though the remnants of the propellants were a risk to the local population.
