China launches communications satellite for Pakistan

China today launched a communications satellite for Pakistan, as the two all weather allies opened a "new platform" in space collaboration to further cement their strategic

relationship.The successful launch of PAKSAT-1R from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China's Sichuan Province was witnessed by a high power Pakistan delegation, which included Defence Secretary Gen (retd) Syed Ather Ali and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.The satellite built and financed by China will provide a range of services, including broadband Internet, telecom and broadcasting, besides defence applications.The satellite will be deployed at 380E in the Geo-stationary orbit and it will replace the existing satellite
PAKSAT-1. It will be operated from Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) Ground Stations in Lahore and Karachi, APP news agency reported.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 satellite is China's first in-orbit delivery to Asian customers and also the first commercial satellite export to international users this year, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.