Would Bring Autonomy To Country's Communications... And Predict Weather?

In a move adding further credence to China's emergence as a viable competitor in space -- as well as bolstering Venezuela's presence on the global stage -- the South American country has finalized a deal to buy a satellite from the Chinese space program. The telecom satellite -- to be launched from China in 2008 -- would give Venezuela a home-owned source of communications, allowing the nation to be self-sufficient in that area.

According to the Associated Press, the satellite would bring telecommunications service across the entire 325,142 sq. mi. area of the South American country, including areas covered by vast rainforests and largely undeveloped plains.

The coverage would allow telephone and Internet access to those areas as well, allowing the government of President Hugo Chavez to transmit educational programs and other information (those are the government's words, not ANN's) to populations previously cut off from such communications.

According to government sources, the satellite -- with an estimated life of 15 years -- might also be equipped with technology allowing the nation to predict natural disasters such as floods. Chavez has previously stressed the satellite is intended for only peaceful purposes.

China -- third only to the US and Russia in sending humans into space -- has advertised its space program to nations either politically or economically disinclined from reaching out to those nations' space programs, in a bid to become a major player in the race for space.

FMI: www.cnsa.gov.cn/main_e.asp, www.venezuela.gov.ve/