China expects to launch its first surveying and mapping satellite in 2008, Lu Xinshe, head of the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, told People's Daily reporter recently.

After long time preparation and science workers' efforts, conditions are becoming ripe for the country to launch its independently developed high definition, stereoscopic mapping satellite. General design for the satellite has been completed and is now under discussion. The satellite is expected to be launched in 2008.

By People's Daily Online