Work on a new satellite called Dongfanghong-IV, which makes use of
China's most advanced space technology, is progressing smoothly,
Xinhua reported Wednesday.
All the key technical issues for the satellite have been resolved
and design and production work has started, said the report.
The satellite, jointly developed by the Chinese Academy of Space
Technology and the China Aerospace Science and Technology
Corporation, is China's third generation communications
satellite.
Compared with former models, the Dongfanghong-IV has much more
power and capacity, and a longer lifespan of up to 15 years.
The satellite will mainly be involved in communications and
television broadcasting.
China has also made great progress in manufacturing and
establishing its most sophisticated satellite platform, also called
Dongfanghong-IV. The country is one of a select number in the world
that can produce large-scale communication satellites and their
platforms.
At
the same time, work on the Sinosat-II satellite, which will be the
first to use the platform, is on track.
The Sinosat-II, which is started by a Beijing-based operator, Sino
Satellite Communications Co, and Chinese Academy of Space
Technology in May, 2002, is expected to be finished by the end of
2004 and will be sent into space in early 2005.
(People's Daily July 3, 2003)