China successfully launched a home-made high-power
communications and broadcast satellite into space aboard a Long
March-3B carrier rocket at 0:20 on Sunday.
The new-generation SinoSat-2 satellite, launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest
China's Sichuan Province, is designed to serve
broadcast TV, digital TV, live broadcast TV and digital broadband
multimedia systems on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and
Taiwan.
The satellite split off from the rocket about 25 minutes after
lift-off and then successfully entered the geosynchronous transfer
orbit. Its orbit will be adjusted several times by commanders on
the ground until it is positioned above the equator at 92.2 East
Longitude.
SinoSat-2, developed and manufactured mainly by the China
Academy of Space Technology, weighs about 5.1 tonnes and has 22
transponders. It has a designed life of 15 years, including 12
years of in-orbit service life.
The carrier rocket used in the launch was developed and
manufactured by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. The
launch marked the 93rd flight of Long March series of carrier
rockets and China's 51th consecutive successful space launch since
October 1996.
A SINO Satellite Communications Co. Ltd. (SINOSAT) official said
SinoSat-2 will greatly help China to tap the international space
flight market, improve the capacity, safety and reliability of
China's information broadcast and conduct live TV broadcast.
SinoSat-1, launched in July 1998, was bought from abroad mainly
to undertake China's radio and TV broadcast and communications
services in the Asia-Pacific Region.
SinoSat-3, specially for radio and TV services, is now in the
stage of research and development. It will be put into operation in
2007, according to the official.
(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2006)
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