Satellite to better connect Silk Road

Nations in South and Southeast Asia as well as Oceania will soon benefit from a communications satellite China launched over the weekend for a Hong Kong-based operator, said project managers.

With its transponders, the Apstar 9 is capable of covering China, South and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii, said Chen Xun, vice-president of the Hong Kong-based APT Satellite Co Ltd, which will operate the Apstar 9 a month later from now, when the satellite completes in-orbit tests.

"The satellite will start commercial operations after the in-orbit tests finish, helping to better connect countries along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road," Chen said.