China launches high-power communications satellite
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-10-29 08:59 XICHANG, Sichuan Province, October 29 (Xinhua) --
China successfully launched a home-made high-power communications and broadcast
satellite, the SinoSat-2, into space aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket at
0:20 on Sunday.
The new-generation 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 take-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 spaceflight market, improve the
capacity, safety and reliability of China's information broadcast and conduct
live TV broadcast.
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