Venezuela launches first satellite
By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez
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CARACAS, Venezuela – VENEZUELA has successfully launched its first space satellite from a space centre in western China. According to BBC Caribbean, the telecommunications satellite, named “Simon Bolivar” after the 19th century Venezuelan
Independence hero, will begin carrying radio, television and other data transmissions next year. The satellite, manufactured by China, will promote telecommunications in Venezuela and the whole project is to cost US$406M including the building of technological bases, manufacturing, launch and training of Venezuelan professionals.
According to Information Minister Andres Izarra, the satellite would help expand the reach of the international television network named “Telesur” that is based in Venezuela.
Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez stated that the launch marked the country’s start in space exploration and was a step ahead to the independence of Latin American and the Caribbean region in the scientific, technological and cultural fields.
“This satellite will help eliminate Venezuela’s satellite illiteracy and will contribute to the building of a multipolar world,” Chavez said.
Venezuelan officials insist that the satellite would be used to relay telecommunications data and television signals over Latin America and not for military purposes, such as eavesdropping on telephone conversations. ~~Adz:Right~~
This is the first time that China has made a commercial space launch for a Latin American country.
Venezuela News