Pak, China to launch jt communications satellite in 2011:Envoy

Beijing, Oct 20 (PTI) Pakistan is closely collaborating
with China to launch a joint space communications satellite
next year that will be a milestone in their friendship, the
country's envoy here said Wednesday.
The new satellite called Paksat-1R will bring immense
economic benefits to Pakistan, Pakistani Ambassador to China,
Masood Khan, said.
He made the remarks while addressing an official function
here to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the China
Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).
The agreement to launch the satellite and set up a joint
communications project was reached during Pakistan President
Asif Ali Zardari's visit to China in 2008.
The CGWIC, established in 1980, is the sole commercial
organisation authorised by the Chinese government to provide
satellites, commercial launch services and carry out
international space cooperation.
It is actively involved in the international marketing of
products and services using space technology.
As China prepares to develop Mars exploration
technologies for starting a joint mission with Russia in 2011,
Ambassador Khan expressed the hope that a Pakistani astronaut
will travel aboard a Chinese spacecraft one day. PTI RHL

MHM