APSTAR VI satellite launched Tuesday from southwestern China is equipped with anti-jamming feature, according to a press release issued by the Hong Kong-based APT Satellite Holdings Limited, which owns the satellite.

APSTAR VI, which was incorrectly named "AsiaSat 6" in previous reports, was launched at 8:00 PM on April 12, 2005 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 3B launch vehicle.

The satellite is expected to be operational in June, this year, according to the statement posted on APT website.

Manufactured by French satellite giant Alcatel Space, APSTAR VI is the fifth in-orbit satellite of the company and a powerful addition to the APSTAR fleet. APSTAR VI is planned for operation from 134 degrees East longitude as a replacement satellite to APSTAR IA.

Chen Zhaobin, executive director of APT Satellite Holdings Limited, described the successful launch of APSTAR VI as a great leap of the company.

According to Winnie Pang, corporate affairs manager of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. (AsiaSat), AsiaSat now operates 3 in-oribt satellites, AsiaSat 2, AsiaSat 3S and AsiaSat 4.  

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2005)