The launch of SinoSat 2, China's first direct-broadcast satellite, scheduled this year, has been put off till next year, according to a Ta Kung Pao report from Beijing, March 22. This is because the nation must first launch relevant regulations on the receiving and watching of direct-broadcast satellite programs, which are still being revised, said He Dongcai, member of the Advisory Committee for the State Informatization.

Under original plan, SinoSat 2 would have been launched in 2005 on Long March 3B carrier rocket at Xi'chang Satellite Launching Center. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST), SinoSat 2 marks China's first satellite based on a public platform for a new-generation of large GEO communication satellites. The biggest China-made satellite by far, SinoSat 2 is also the nation's first satellite of its kind that is of comparatively high anti-jamming capacity and long life expectancy (15 years).

Relevant regulations on how mainland households receive satellite programs, and the programs themselves, are still under preparations, said He.

In the past few years, China focused more on the research of carrier rockets rather than satellites, He told reporter. So the trend will be reversed to meet the needs of the fast-moving industry of satellite communications.

By People's Daily Online