Chinanews, Zhuhai, Nov. 1 - At the Sixth China International Aerospace Exposition, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) on Tuesday inked agreements with the China Satellite Communications Corporation and the Xinnuo Satellite Communication Co., Ltd. for the purchase of three satellites and three rocket carriers. The total transaction volume of the three contracts amounts to 2 billion yuan.

 

CASC signed a letter of intent with the China Satellite Communications Corporation (China Satcom) for the purchase of China-5A satellite and the Changzhen (Long March) 3B rocket carrier. China-5A satellite, built based on the technologies of the Dongfanghong No.4 satellite platform, is a communication satellite that will move at geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and provide radio and communication service for Asian countries. Its expected lifespan is 15 years. CASC plans to launch the satellite in 2009 and hand over the satellite to China Satcom by then.

 

CASC also signed a letter of intent with the Xinnuo Satellite Communication Co., Ltd. for the purchase of Xinnuo-1 replacement satellite and Changzhen (Long March) 3B rocket carrier, and a purchasing contract for Xinnuo-3 satellite and Changzhen (Long March) 3A rocket carrier. Xinnuo-1 replacement satellite is also based on the technologies of the Dongfanghong No.4 satellite. When it is launched, it will take over the work of Xinnuo-1 satellite. Xinnuo-3 satellite is a medium capacity communication satellite based on the technologies of the Dongfanghong No.3 satellite platform. It will be launched into space next May.