China to launch 9 satellites in 2006
By Zhao Huanxin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2006-03-05 16:35

Nine satellites, including one that carries nothing but seeds, are waiting their turn to "take root" in sky within 2006.

"We are planning to launch nine satellites this year," Zhang Qingwei told China Daily Sunday. "The first one, a scientific experimental satellite, will blast off at the end of April."

Zhang, president of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, made the remarks when he attended the annual meeting of the National People's Congress, which opened Sunday in Beijing.

For the first time, the country will send into orbit a "seed satellite" specially designed for seed-breeding in space, he said. It is scheduled for September.

The recoverable satellite will enable scientists to cultivate high-yield and high-quality plant varieties after the seeds are exposed to special environment such as cosmic radiation and micro-gravity, according to sources with Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Zhang said another important satellite to be put into space in 2006 is SinoSat 2, the country's first direct broadcasting satellite, which is expected to beam TV programmes to even the most remote rural regions in the country.

Zhang said SinoSat 2 will be based on the country's newest generation of satellite platform Dongfanghong 4, which has a designed life mission of 15 years.

Other satellites in the pipeline include a meteorological satellite and oceanic satellite that will monitor ocean colour and red tides, he said.

The country's economic blueprint, submitted by Premier Wen Jiabao for deliberation of national lawmakers yesterday, calls for the space industry to make a shift from "experimental application" to business services in the coming years.