The Bolivian satellite is launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan province, Dec. 21. (Photo/Xinhua) |
China
successfully sent a Bolivian communications satellite into orbit with its Long
March-3B carrier rocket from southwest Xichang Satellite Launch Center at
0:42am (Beijing Time) Saturday.
Bolivian
president Evo Morales was present, the first time a foreign head of state has
witnessed a satellite launch in China.
The
satellite was produced by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
(CASC) with a designed longevity of 15 years. It is Bolivia's first
communications satellite and is named Tupac Katari in homage to an 18th century
indigenous hero who fought Bolivia's Spanish colonizers.
China's
president, Xi Jinping, sent a message of congratulations to President Morales,
saying the successful development and launch of the satellite represents the
latest achievements and level of cooperation between China and Bolivia in the
field of science and technology.
"The
satellite will play an important role for Bolivia to improve its broadcasting,
education and medical services. It will make important contributions to promote
cooperation between China and Latin American countries," Xi said.
Bilateral
ties have been progressing smoothly while pragmatic cooperation in all areas
are making steady headway since China and Bolivia established diplomatic ties
28 years ago, Xi said.
Xi said
China hopes for more space collaboration with Bolivia, which will promote
mutual beneficial cooperation and friendly relations, bringing benefits to the
people of both countries.
In a speech
made after the launch, President Morales thanked Xi for his congratulations and
expressed gratitude towards the Chinese government, scientists and the people.
He hopes that China and Bolivia will take the opportunity of the successful
launch to deepen cooperation in all areas and bring bilateral ties to a higher
level.
The
satellite agreement was signed between the Bolivian Space Agency (ABE) and the
Great Wall Industry Corporation of China, a subsidiary of CASC, in December
2010.
It is the
fifth Chinese communications satellite for international users and the second
in-orbit delivery for a Latin American customer. China launched a telecom
satellite for Venezuela in 2008.
The
successful launch will bring Bolivia into an age of digital economy and make
its people more connected, said Ivan Zambrana, head of the ABE.
"We
wish to launch a remote sensing satellite in 2017 and China is one of our best
alternatives," he added.
Related Article:
No comments:
Post a Comment