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China launches Venezuela’s satellite

— Photo: AFP

Mission accomplished: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (left) hugs a Chinese technician after the launching of the VENESAT-1 on Wednesday.

CARACAS: Venezuela has hailed the successful launch of its first satellite, “Simon Bolivar” or “Venesat-1,” as part of a joint project with China that started three years ago.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said the launch marked the country’s start in space exploration, and was a step ahead to the independence of Latin America and the Caribbean region in the scientific, technological and cultural fields.

The launch, taking place in the Satellites Launching Centre of Xichang in China’s Sichuan Province, was watched by millions of Venezuelans through images from China Central Television (CCTV). Mr. Chavez watched the broadcast of the launch at Luepa Station in southern Venezuela’s Bolivar state. He said the satellite would help eliminate the country’s “satellite illiteracy,” and contribute to the building of a multi-polar world. Meanwhile, Nicaragua’s official radio station La Nueva Radio Ya also cheered on Wednesday the successful launch of “Simon Bolivar,” saying the event would contribute to Latin America’s integration.

The satellite, manufactured by China, would promote telecommunications in Venezuela. The whole project’s bill is $406 million, including the building of technological bases, manufacturing, launch and training of Venezuelan professionals. It is China’s first contract on the manufacturing and launch service for a Latin American country.

The satellite, with a designed life of 15 years, would be used in broadcasting, distance learning and medical services, among others. After necessary tests, the Venezuelan Science and Technology Ministry would start to provide the state-owned telephone company CANTV with satellite services on December 20.

The “Simon Bolivar” satellite, named after the South American independence leader in the 1800s, makes Venezuela the fourth country in Latin America with a satellite after Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. — Xinhua

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