China will launch two satellites dedicated to radio and TV relaying services specifically for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The launches are set for June and October this year, the China Satellite Communications Corporation (CSCC) said Tuesday.

 

The two satellites are being built under strict quality control conditions to ensure their timely and smooth launch, said Guo Hao, deputy general manager of CSCC.

 

CSCC has been contracted to provide broadcasting and TV signal transfers as well as traffic monitoring and navigation services for the 2008 Olympic Games.

 

China launched an Olympic weather forecasting satellite, the Fengyun-2D, last December.

 

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) announced early this month that the Fengyun-2D satellite had successfully connected with ground control and was functioning within normal parameters.

 

Chief designer Li Qin said, "The satellite will provide accurate and timely information about weather changes to help us with weather forecasts during the 2008 Olympic Games, especially the opening and closing ceremonies and important contests."

 

Besides monitoring weather changes in China, the FY-2D will also monitor weather changes in neighboring countries.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2007)