China launches communications satellite "SinoSat-3"

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-01-2007 13:16

The carrier rocket Long March-3A blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 1, 2007. China on early Friday morning launched 'SinoSat-3,' a communications satellite for data transfer, radio and television broadcasting, aboard a Long March-3A carrier rocket, marking the 100th flight of its Long March series. [Xinhua]

China has launched Sinosat 3 a communications satellite for radio and television broadcasting. It was put onboard a Long March 3A carrier rocket the 100th flight in China's Long March series.

Another successful launch for China's Long March series. The rocket lifted Sinosat 3 into orbit early Friday morning.

Sinosat was launched in Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan province. The satellite got separated from the rocket about 24 minutes after lift-off, and then started its journey into orbit.

Sinosat 3 and its carrier rocket were both made in China. They were mainly developed and manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, both under the umbrella of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

China has over 12 million digital TV subscribers and 400 million television sets, providing a huge market for satellite TV. Its competitiveness has also helped it take off in the global market.

In May, China launched a communication satellite for Nigeria, the first time a foreign buyer has purchased both a Chinese-made satellite and its launching service.