China to deliver telecom satellite to Pakistan

Updated: 2008-10-16 22:30

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

The satellite's chief contractor -- China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) -- said on Thursday 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 sealed Wednesday in the presence of presidents from both countries. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari was in Beijing for his first state visit since taking office in September.

This is the third time China has delivered a satellite to another country. In 2007, two satellites were sent to Nigeria.