Asia-Pacific nations sign space convention
By Cao Desheng (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-29 06:30

Based on its common objectives, APSCO aims to serve as a platform for the members of the organization to develop multilateral co-operation in space science, technology and its applications, Luo said.

"Co-operation will focus on such fields as observation of the earth, disaster prevention, environmental protection, satellite navigation and communication, as well as research and training of space technology and its applications," he told reporters.

Sources from the China National Space Administration said a multi-purpose small satellite jointly developed by China, Thailand, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Bangladesh and Iran, is expected to be launched in the second half of next year.

The satellite will be used for observation of the earth and telecommunications.