China will import the Chinasat 9 satellite, a powerful TV direct broadcast satellite (DBS) with high reliability and a long service life, from France. The Chinasat 9 satellite will work with the China-developed Dongfanghong IV TV direct broadcast platform Satellite to form a first-generation TV and radio DBS system in China.

The China Satellite Communication Corporation (ChinaSat) and French Alcatel Space--the third largest satellite manufacturer in the world--held a contract signing ceremony for the Chinasat 9 satellite in Paris on Apr. 21st. According to a speech made by Zhang Hainan, President of ChinaSat, at the signing ceremony, the Chinasat 9 satellite adopts the International Telecommunication Union's special frequency band for TV and radio DBS operation and will be able to provide high-powered broadcast service for 150 to 200 sets of standard definition and high definition TV programs.

With a 45-cm to 60-cm diameter antenna, Chinese residents will be able to watch DBS TV programs. The Chinasat 9 satellite will increase coverage of TV and radio broadcast in China, improve reception quality and help increase the penetration rate of TV broadcast in remote regions and rural areas.

The Chinasat 9 satellite will be launched by a Chinese Long March III rocket in Xichang around July 2007, and will be placed on an orbit of 92.2 degrees East longitude.

(Chinanews April 23, 2005)