Space Brief 16 Sep 2025
Today's brief highlights the impact of military spending and technology competition on the space economy, new satellite connectivity partnerships, and defense spending pledges in Europe.
APSTAR-6E (55239)
COSPAR: 2023-005A | Alt Name: Apstar 6E
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 12, 2023
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC3
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55239
International Designator
2023-005A
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 17:26:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
0.01°
Right Ascension
259.83°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
293.41°
Period
1436.13 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
APSTAR-6E
Alternative Name
Apstar 6E
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
APTS
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55239U 23005A 26199.72676029 .00000000 00000+0 00000+0 0 9998
2 55239 0.0138 259.8324 0002647 293.4125 138.9092 01.00269790 19002
Source: Celestrak
Summary
APSTAR-6E (also known as Apstar 6E) is a communication satellite operated by APTS and manufactured by CAST. It was launched on January 12, 2023, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center's LC3 using the Chang Zheng 2C launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 5 meters in length, 2.5 meters in diameter, and a span of 30 meters with its solar arrays deployed. It uses a DFH-3E Bus configuration and carries a high throughput communications payload. APSTAR-6E has a dry mass of 2,000 kilograms and a launch mass of 2,090 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with two deployable solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. It was stabilized in orbit by January 23, 2023, and its mission is expected to last for 15 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
2.5
Span
30
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
2090
Shape
Box+ 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Apstar 6E
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
CAST
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
DFH-3E
Configuration
DFH-3E Bus
Motor
EP-AOCS
Equipment
High throughput communications payload
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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