Bolivia, China sign deal to build telecom satellite

[Judi Lynn]

Bolivia, China sign deal to build telecom satellite
10:29, December 14, 2010

Bolivian state-run Space Agency (ABE) and China Great Wall Industry Corporation signed a commercial contract Monday to build and launch a telecommunication satellite for Bolivia.

Bolivian Public Works Minister Walter Delgadillo told a press conference that this contract is a preliminary step to begin the manufacturing of the satellite named Tupac Katari.

The two sides will sign a financial contract later this week for this satellite, which will be sent into orbit 36 km above the Earth in three years.

Meanwhile, teleports and ground control stations will be built in La Paz and Santa Cruz respectively, the construction of which will be completed in about 32 months and managed by the Bolivian government, Delgadillo said.

More:
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/7230453.html

[social_critic]

1. 36 Km should read 36,000 Km.

A telecoms satellite can't orbit at 36 km and stay up - it'll burn up in the atmosphere. These satellites are parked at about 36,000 km - in the so called Clarke belt.