Chinese working on their own HD TV system, other operating systems...and now their own DBS satellites...
Paris, June 11, 2004 - Alcatel announced today that it signed a contract with China Satellite Communication Corporation (ChinaSat) to design and produce a new-generation communications satellite, Chinasat 9. This direct broadcasting satellite will enable ChinaSat to be the first state-owned Chinese company to provide satellite broadcast services in China.
The contract was signed this morning in the presence of the Chinese Vice Prime Minister in charge of the Economy, Zeng Peiyan; the French Prime Minister, Jean-Pierre Raffarin; the President of ChinaSat, Zhang Hainan; the CEO of Alcatel, Serge Tchuruk; and the CEO of Alcatel Space, Pascale Sourisse.
The Chinasat 9 satellite, based on the Spacebus 4000 C1 platform, will be fitted with 22 active Ku-band transponders for broadcast satellite services (BSS), including eighteen 36-MHz and four 54-MHz channels. Chinasat 9 will weigh about 4,500 kilograms at liftoff and offer life power of about 11 kW. Positioned at 92.2 degrees East (or 134 degrees East), it will offer a design life of more than 15 years.
This satellite will be launched by a Chinese Long March rocket. Alcatel Space will be in charge of the launch campaign, orbital positioning, in-orbit tests and delivery of a satellite simulator.
Very interesting, China used to be an all Loral country.
ReplyDeleteEven to the point of setting up ground stations.