China successfully launched a domestically manufactured high-power
communications and broadcast satellite aboard a Long March-3B carrier
rocket Sunday.
The new-generation SinoSat-2 satellite, launched from the Xichang
Satellite Launch Centre in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, is designed
to provide broadcast TV, digital TV, live broadcast TV and digital
broadband multimedia services to the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao
and Taiwan.
The satellite split off from the rocket about 25 minutes after its
00:20 lift-off, entering a
geosynchronous transfer orbit.
SinoSat-2, mainly developed and manufactured by the Chinese Academy of
Space Technology, weighs about 5.1 tons and has 22 transponders. It is
designed to last for 15 years, spending 12 years in orbit.
The carrier rocket used in the launch was developed and manufactured by
the Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. The launch marked the
93rd flight for the Long March series of carrier rockets and China's 51st
consecutive successful space launch since October 1996.
A SINO Satellite Communications Co Ltd (SINOSAT) official said
SinoSat-2 will improve the capacity, safety and reliability of China's
information broadcasts and make it easier to carry out live TV broadcasts.
The original SinoSat-1 satellite, launched in July 1998, was designed
to boost China's radio and TV broadcasts and communications services in
the Asia-Pacific Region.
