A substitute satellite for the failed SinoSat-2, which was to be
China's first direct-to-home broadcasting satellite, will be
launched in May next year, according to a SinoSat spokesman.
"The company is drafting a replacement plan," said spokesman Fan
Xinming "The substitute satellite will not be a carbon copy of the
previous one and we're expecting more technical upgrades."
In the company's first public admission that SinoSat-2 suffered
a technical failure on November 8, spokesman Fan Xinming, said the
satellite failed when solar power panels ceased to function. "Thus
the spacecraft was unable to provide broadcasting and
telecommunications services," he said.
Fan was quick to defend SinoSat-2 in the wake of criticism over
the costly flop. "High risks are characteristic of the space
industry. Many other satellite operators in China and overseas have
suffered similar mishaps before," he said.
"The SinoSat-2 is now located in a quasi-GEO orbit and further
investigations are being conducted into the manufacturing faults,"
added Fan.
SinoSat-2, developed by the Chinese Research Institute of Space
Technology, is designed to serve broadcast, digital and live
broadcast TV and digital broadband multimedia systems on the
Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
SinoSat-2 was launched on October 29 this year and scheduled to
operate for 15 years. "We'll not lose confidence in the domestic
space manufacturing industry despite the setback." he said. Fan
also announced that SinoSat-3, dedicated to radio and television
services, would be launched in May 2007. "The research and
preparation for the new satellite have been going smoothly," he
said.
Industry analysts predict that when individuals are allowed to
install satellite dishes up to 100 million households will do that
between 2006 and 2010.
(Xinhua News Agency November 29, 2006)