 | PAKSAT-1R: China launches Pakistan’s ‘first’ communications satellite
12 August 2011
|
| 
KARACHI:
Billed as Pakistan’s ‘first’ advanced communications satellite PAKSAT-1R, as a part of Pakistan’s Space Programme 2040, was launched on Thursday at 9:17 pm on board China’s Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan province.
The geostationary satellite would orbit at 23,000 miles above the surface of the earth and is expected to enhance the broadcast and broadband capabilities of the country. However, some scientists say that what Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has achieved today could have been done 30 years ago. They question whether our so-called space programme is on the right track.
Expected clients
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. The satellite will now enable the extending of communication services to all areas of Pakistan.
Apart from Pakistan Army, there are more than 45 clients of PAKSAT-1R, including leading telecom companies such as Mobilink, and broadcasters such as Geo and ARY.
Technical details
The PAKSAT-1R weighs 5,115kg and is based on the DongFangHong-4 platform with 18 Ku-band and 12 C-band transponders onboard. The China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) had been nominated as PAKSAT-1R’s chief contractor after President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese President Hu Jintao signed an agreement in October 2008. The company was made responsible for the design, manufacturing, final assembly, testing and launch of the satellite.
Cost
Suparco has kept mum about the cost of the multi-million dollar project. Sources within PAKSAT say that at the moment the entire cost has been borne by China which has to be paid back.
According to a press release, Defence Secretary 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 were present on the occasion. Suparco chairman Major General Ahmed Bilal was also reportedly present. | | See Also in Political News
|
|  Chinese PM begins Pakistan visit
22 May 2013
ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in Pakistan Wednesday for a two-day visit where he will meet prime minister-elect Nawaz Sharif as the long-time allies look to boost trade ties.
Trade between China and Pakistan hit a 12-month figure of $12 billion for the first time last year, according to Islamabad, up 18 percent on the previous year, and the two sides are committed to raising this to $15 billion in the next two to three years.
Li, on his first overseas tour as premier, ... Full Story |  Karzai meets Indian leaders in push for military aid
22 May 2013
NEW DELHI: Afghan President Hamid Karzai held talks with Indian leaders Tuesday, hoping to secure more military aid as he looks to beef up his security forces after international troops pull out next year.
An Indian foreign ministry source confirmed that Karzai had held talks late Tuesday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after a separate meeting earlier in the evening with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.
But there were no immediate details about the discussions and officials ... Full Story |  Nawaz approves installing power plants in Punjab
22 May 2013
LAHORE - PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has said that his government at the Centre would appoint heads of public departments strictly on merit with a view to bolstering the national economy.
Addressing a party meeting held in connection with the measures to overcome the energy crisis on Tuesday, Nawaz Sharif said his government would pursue merit to appoint heads of public corporations like PIA, Wapda, Railways, OGDC, Pakistan Steel Mills and others. He said boards would be formed in these ... Full Story | |
|
|
|
