China launches communications satellite

[BGonaSTICK]

China launched a communications satellite for Nigeria early Monday, a first for an African country and the first time China has provided both the satellite and the launch service.

The Long March 3-B carrier rocket, blasted off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 0:01 Monday and the northwest Xi'an Satellite Control center said the satellite had accurately entered its orbit.

The Nigerian Communication Satellite, or NIGCOMSAT-1, a super hybrid geo-stationary satellite will provide communications services for Africa, parts of the Middle East and southern Europe.

China began launching satellites for foreign countries in the early 1990s. The NIGCOMSAT-1 is the first satellite which Chinese scientists have designed, built and launched for another country.

Observers say the successful launch of NIGCOMSAT-1 will create new business opportunities for China's space industry.

Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology Turner Isoun and several other high-ranking Nigerian officials witnessed the launch, which was broadcast live by the Nigeria Television Authority.

Experts estimate that the satellite will revolutionize telecommunications, broadcasting and broadband multimedia services in Africa. They say it will help create thousands of new jobs for Nigerians, provide Internet access to remote rural villages, and save more than 660 million U.S. dollars in telephone charges.

It is also expected to improve e-commerce and government efficiency by promoting the development of the digital economy in Nigeria and throughout the African continent.

In Nigeria, the launch of the satellite captured headlines of most domestic newspapers on Monday.

Newspapers quoted Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as saying that the successful launch of the satellite was "the best gift" for him and the Nigerian people.

Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, described the launch of the NIGCOMSAT-1 as "historic for Nigerians."

The official was quoted as saying that the operation of the NIGCOMSAT-1 will help upgrade the communications network in Nigeria and the entire African continent.

Boroffice also said the successful launch and operation of the satellite helped bridge the gap between Nigeria and developed countries in communications technology and will accelerate Nigeria's social, economic, cultural and scientific development.

The launch also boosted Nigeria's confidence in developing its own capacity in the field of space technology, Boroffice was quoted as saying by Nigerian media.

The satellite will be fixed in an orbit at a longitude of 42 degrees east. The satellite, which is designed to be in service for 15 years, will be transferred to Nigeria control sometime this year after a series of tests are completed, Chinese experts said.

China was awarded the contract in 2004, outbidding 21 international rivals to secure the 311 million U.S. dollar deal.

The satellite and carrier rocket were developed by the China Academy of Space Technology and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, both of which are under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Chinese space scientists said they completed building the satellite in two years, about five months less than most developed countries.

China is also responsible for building two monitoring ground stations in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, and in Kashgar, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Chinese company will offer support services and training for Nigerian technicians, according to the contract.

The launch was the 98th in China's Long March series of rockets.

Observers say the satellite program shows China is serious about cooperating with developing countries in the peaceful use of outer space and is committed to promoting closer relations with African countries.

China has been commissioned to launch about 30 foreign satellites.

A Venezuelan communication satellite is expected to be launched by China in the later half of 2008.