China's latest satellite reaches for the stars
( 2003-07-03 07:02) (China Daily)
Work on a new satellite called Dongfanghong-IV, which makes use of China's
most advanced space technology, is progressing smoothly, Xinhua reported
Wednesday.
All the key technical issues for the satellite have been resolved and design
and production work has started, said the report.
The satellite, jointly developed by the Chinese Academy of Space Technology
and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, is China's third
generation communications satellite.
Compared with former models, the Dongfanghong-IV has much more power and
capacity, and a longer lifespan of up to 15 years.
The satellite will mainly be involved in communications and television
broadcasting.
China has also made great progress in manufacturing and establishing its most
sophisticated satellite platform, also called Dongfanghong-IV. The country is
one of a select number in the world that can produce large-scale communication
satellites and their platforms.
At the same time, work on the Sinosat-II satellite, which will be the first
to use the platform, is on track.
The Sinosat-II, which is started by a Beijing-based operator, Sino Satellite
Communications Co, and Chinese Academy of Space Technology in May, 2002, is
expected to be finished by the end of 2004 and will be sent into space in early
2005.
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