A telecommunications satellite built by the US firm Lockheed Martin for the China Orient Telecomm Satellite Company, part of China's Telecommunications Ministry. Launched in May 1998, it cost US$100 million and has a lifespan of approximately 15 years. The satellite, in a geosynchronous orbit, permits voice and data transmission, and a direct-broadcast television service to China, India, Korea, and other areas of Southeast Asia. In 2010, operations were turned over to China Satcom and the satellite was renamed ZX 5A (ChinaSat 5A). In 2013, operations changed again and it was renamed APStar 9A.