Pakistan launches first Communications Satellite PAKSAT-1R

Pakistan

Pakistan launches first Communications Satellite PAKSAT-1R

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Pakistans first Communications Satellite has been launched on board Chinas Launch Vehicle.

11 August,2011 11:36 pm

Pakistan’s first Communications Satellite PAKSAT-1R has been launched on board China’s Satellite Launch Vehicle.The launch came as part of Pakistan’s Space Programme 2040 on Thursday at 2117 hrs from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre.Besides others, launch was witnessed by Secretary Defence Lt Gen Syed Athar Ali (R), Secretary Foreign Affairs, Salman Bashir, Director General, Strategic Plans Division Lt Gen Khalid Ahmed Kidwai (R) and Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Muhammad Masood Khan, according to a press release.PAKSAT-1R has a total of 30 transponders, 12 in C-band and 18 in Ku-band.The satellite will be deployed at 380E in the Geo-stationary orbit and it will replace the existing satellite PAKSAT-1.PAKSAT-1R has a design life of 15 years and will provide TV broadcasting, Internet and data communication services across South and Central Asia, Eastern Europe, East Africa and the Far East. This satellite now enables extending of communication services to all areas of Pakistan.The National Command Authority (NCA) recently approved Pakistan’s Space Programme 2040 during its meeting at the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) on 14 July 2011, reports state news agency.Earlier, the contract for the development of PAKSAT-1R was signed between Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) in October 2008 during the visit of the President of Pakistan to China.China and Pakistan have more than 20 years of cooperation in Space Science, Technology and Applications.