The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is seen in
this undated file image. (CGWIC)
BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhuanet) Work on the development, manufacturing
and launching of China's first satellite for a foreign buyer is going
on smoothly asscheduled, China's major space product supplier and
service provider announced here Friday.
Wang Haibo, president of the China Great Wall Industry Corp., said
preliminary designs of the project passed the evaluation of a panel of
experts representing the buyer of the satellite, Nigerian National Space
Research Development Agency (NASRDA).
According to contracts signed in December 2004 between the Chinese
company and NASRDA, the communications satellite, known as NIGCOMSAT1,
will be based on China's latest model of satellite platform, DFH No.4.
With 28 transponders, including 4 C band, 18 Ku band, 4 Ka band and 2
L band ones, the satellite will be capable of meeting the requirements
of Nigeria for telecommunications, broadcasting and broadband multimedia
services, said Wang.
The platform is designed to have a lifespan of 15 years and 5,200 kg
in weight, and the transponders with a designed power of 8 kw will be
800 kg, he said.
To be designed, made and launched by China's space sector, he said
the satellite will be put into the orbit by Chinesemade Long March 3 B
carrier rocket at the Xichang Space Launch Center in southwest China's
Sichuan Province, and will be delivered to NASRDA after it is in the
orbit in early 2007.
The satellite represents the first one China to export to a foreign
country although China also proved to be a reliable launch service provider
in the world as it has launched 30 satellites in24 commercial flights
since 1990.
Wang said this is also the first time for China to provide a package
of space products and services, including design, manufacturing, orbital
delivery, ground products and services, to an overseas client.
The satellite will be monitored and tracked by a ground station to be
built in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, by the Chinese firm, and a ground
station in Kashi in northwest Xinjiang Ugyur Autonomous Region.
Moreover, the Chinese company will offer operating support services
and be responsible for training Nigerian technicians.
The Chinese company, the international agent of the China Aerospace
Science and Technology Corp. that produces carrier rockets and satellites,
was awarded the deal late last year after it beat 21 international rivals
in a public bidding, including those from the United States, France,
Britain, Italy and Isreal.
Ahmed Rufai, manager of NIGCOMSAT1 project, said that all parties of
the satellite contract are satisfied with the progress in implementing
the deal.
The satellite will help Nigeria to be turned into a knowledgebased
economy from its reliance on oil trade, he said. Enditem
