China’s Long March 2C/3 (CZ-2C/3) rocket has been modified with a additional kick stage attached to the satellite to launch the small – at least small for a communications satellite – 1,800 kg APSTAR-6E HTS (High Throughput Satellite) on its way to a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). The launch took place at 1810 GMT on 12 January 2023 from the Xichang launch site and was placed into a transfer orbit from which the satellite will use its own electric satellite propulsion system to raise itself over a period of 10 months to GEO. The satellite uses a DFH-3E bus and is built by CAST.
APSTAR 6E HTP with its attached kick stage. Courtesy: CNSpaceflight
Long March 2C/3 lifts off carrying kick stage equipped APSTAR 6E. Courtesy: CNSpaceflight
