China will send a communication satellite owned by a Hong Kong company into space during the first half of this year.

China National Space Administration says the European-made satellite is expected to orbit for 13 years and will be responsible for transmitting radio and television signals for China, East Asia, Australia and Hawaii.

Meanwhile, a multi-purpose small satellite developed by China, Pakistan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Mongolia, South Korea, and Iran will be launched in 2006.

It will be used to carry out scientific experiments and environmental observations for countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: CRI News