Beijing: For the first time, China will be launching a communication satellite for close ally Pakistan, a move that will mark "a new beginning" in bilateral space collaboration. The satellite named PAKSAT-1R will be launched at an "appropriate time" in the coming days; state-run Xinhua news agency quoted an unnamed official as saying.
The satellite, which was made in China, would provide a variety of benefits, including high-power communication and weather monitoring facilities, besides strategic defence applications.
Both the satellite and rocket are currently in good condition, the official said.
The satellite would be launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest Sichuan Province by China's space work horse, the Long March-3B carrier rocket, he said....
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02:19 PM, Aug 10, 2011
