China launches Pakistan's first comm satellite

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: China has launched Pakistan's first communications satellite that will provide TV broadcasting, Internet and data services, it was reported here.

The country's first communications satellite PAKSAT-1R, which is a part of Pakistan's Space Programme-2040, was launched Thursday on board China's Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.

The satellite has a design life of 15 years and will provide TV broadcasting, Internet and data communication services across South and Central Asia, Eastern Europe, East Africa and the Far East.

This satellite now enables extending of communication services to all areas of Pakistan.

The National Command Authority had July 14 approved Pakistan's Space Programme-2040.

The contract for the development of PAKSAT-1R was signed between Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission and China Great Wall Industry Corporation in October 2008.

Pakistani engineers have worked closely with their Chinese counterparts during all stages of development of the satellite in China.

Some experimental units have also been integrated on the satellite for technology evaluation.

China and Pakistan have enjoyed more than 20 years of cooperation in space science, technology and applications.