China to launch its Sinosat-2 communications satellite in early 2005, as reported from the Chinese Academy of Space Technology. The geo-static satellite, with big capacity and long life span, represents the latest development of China's space technology.

Based on China's first generation large-scale pubic platform of communication satellites in geo-stationary orbit, Sinosat-2, the third-generation communication satellite, would carry 24 KU-band transporter with a designed life span of 15 years.

The platform, at a world advanced level for satellites of this kind, can be used in communication tasks of geo-stationary satellites for telecasting, live broadcasting and mobile communications.

Now initial design for Sinosat-2 has passed examination and will be worked out at the end of this year. The formal design will be completed in two years, and delivered to user after being launched in early 2005.

Developing and launching of Sinosat-2 is of great significance for China's satellite industrialization, expert said, for it would serve to guarantee a new generation of large-scale communication satellites and further meeting users' demand at home and abroad.

Sinosat-2 will be run by Sino Satellite Communication Co. Ltd., whose Sinosat-1 has got good social and economic returns.

Backgrounder: Sinosat

Sinosat is a bulky telecommunications satellite manufactured in Europe. There are 24 C-band and 14 KU-band transponders on the satellite.

The service term of the satellite in orbit is 15 years. The satellite serves both China and neighboring countries and areas. The ground monitoring and control station for Sinosat was designed and manufactured by China independently and the software used to control the satellite was also programed by China.

Sinosat was carried into orbit by the Long March-3B carrier rocket on July 18, 1998, resting at 110.5 degrees east longitude over the equator.

At present, Sinosat serves several dozen users including China's national education and scientific research computer network, the global satellite data broadcasting network of Xinhua News Agency, a state program which aims to help all villages in China's less-developed areas to have access to radio and television programs, China Meteorological Administration, Jitong Communications Company, China Unicom and China Education Television Station.

(People's Daily July 11, 2002)