China to replace Nigerian satellite

China yesterday agreed to launch a satellite for Nigeria in 2011 to replace the African country's defunct communications satellite.

China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) president Yin Liming said the new Nigerian Communication Satellite 1R (NIGCOMSAT-1R) will be launched from a Long March 3B vehicle at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province in the fourth quarter of 2011.

China will not charge Nigeria for the replacement satellite, which is designed to remain operational for 15 years, he said.