The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has partnered with China Aerospace and Technology Corporation (CASC) and China Telecom to provide communication satellite delivery, becoming the second African country to sign a satellite delivery contract with the superpower.
The deal was confirmed in Zhuhai, Guangdong. Nigeria signed a similar agreement in 2004.
The satellite, CongoSat-01, will be launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province within three years.
Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), a subsidiary of China Aerospace and Technology Corporation (CASC) signed the contract with the National Network of Satellite Telecommunications (Renatelsat) representing the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The project will be supported by China Telecom and is expected to provide information technology guidance.
CGWIC said when launched into orbit, CongoSat-01 satellite will cover the DR Congo and the whole of Southern-Central Africa.
It also revealed at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, the company has signed six contracts and agreements worth a total of 15 billion yuan (US$2.38 billion).
Two months ago, a remote sensing satellite was successfully launched into space from the northwestern Gobi Desert by China for the government of Venezuela.
In total, China has carried out 35 commercial satellite launches for international customers, sending 41 satellites into space.
According to CGWIC’s itinerary, two more commercial launches before the end of December.
