As of Jan 2018, APSTAR 5C program has been proceeding smoothly, the Mainbody and Reference Performance Test was completed successfully, and the result showed the performance of the satellite is in line with specifications. Currently the satellite has entered into the TVAC phase. Dynamics test is foreseen on end of March.
Current schedule shows that Apstar-5C will be ready for shipment in the first half of 2018, Launched by a SpaceX Falcon-9 launch vehicle and replace in-orbit APSTAR-5 satellite in the second half of 2018.

About Apstar-5C:

APSTAR-5C is based on SSL FS-1300 platform which will be equipped with C-band, Ku-band regional beams and a Ku-band HTS payload, providing high power transponder services to customers across the Asia-Pacific region for VSAT, video distribution, DTH, mobility broadband applications.
Through APSTAR-5C, we will be able to maintain reliable services to our existing customers of APSTAR-5 satellite, and to assure the continuity of their businesses. Meanwhile, APSTAR-5C satellite will carry more transponders, expand to broader service areas, and include regional high-throughput (HTS) capacities to satisfy growing market demand in Asia Pacific region.

Apstar 5C Coverage