BEIJING: China will launch a telecommunication satellite, named PakSat-1R, for Pakistan in 2011.



The satellite's chief contractor — China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) — said Friday that a Long March 3B rocket will be used to put the satellite into orbit. It will launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern Sichuan Province. The company said ground control facilities for the satellite will be delivered to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission after it enters orbit. CGWIC and its sub-contractors are responsible for the design, manufacturing, final assembly, testing and launch of the satellite. It will have a life span of 15 years. Pakistan will use it for domestic telecommunication and broadcast services. Contracts for the satellite deal were inked Wednesday in the presence of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese President Hu Jintao. This is the third time China has delivered a satellite to another country. In 2007, two satellites were sent to Nigeria.

Hmm! Chineese zinda baad

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