Lahore: Pakistan`s satellite control centre was thrown open by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani at Kala Shah Kaku near here to monitor the commercial operations of the country`s second communication satellite, Paksat-1R, launched by China.
The centre will beam telecommunication and broadcast services from the satellite, which is expected to have a life of 15 years. The satellite will be used for digital TV broadcasts, broadband internet, remote and rural telephony, emergency communications, tele-education and tele-medicine.
"The Paksat-1R project is yet another manifestation of the long-standing strategic relationship between Pakistan and China, taking our time-tested friendship to new heights," Gilani told a gathering that included Chinese officials and engineers. The launch and commissioning of Paksat-1R marked the "first significant step towards realising" Pakistan`s Space Vision 2040, he said.
Paksat-1R was launched on August 12 from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre by China Great Wall Industry Corporation.
It was moved to its designated position in geo-stationary orbit to replace Paksat-1. The satellite has 32 C-band and Ku-band transponders and three antennas to cover the whole of Pakistan and 75 countries across Asia, East Africa and part of Western Europe.
The contract for Paksat-1R was signed during President Asif Ali Zardari`s visit to China in October 2008.
Pakistani officials said the completion of the Paksat-1R project will strengthen cooperation in peaceful uses of space technology between Pakistan and China.
The cooperation will boost Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commissions efforts to launch other satellites for Pakistan`s socio-economic development and national security needs, the officials said.
Paksat-1R was built by SUPARCO with technical guidance and financial aid from the China National Space Administration.
PTI