China launches Sri Lanka’s first communications satellite

Beijing, China (4E) – Sri Lanka’s SupremeSAT on Tuesday launched the country’s first communications satellite named SupremeSAT-1 into space from a Chinese space center, becoming the third South Asian country after India and Pakistan.

The launch was possible with the help of China’s state-owned China Great Wall Industry Corporation.

SupremeSAT-1 will provide broadband Internet, telecom and broadcasting services to its customers in the Middle East, South and Central Asia and Australia. SupremeSAT’s Group Chief Executive Officer Vijith Peiris said, “This is a proud moment for us as citizens of Sri Lanka.”

China on Tuesday successfully launched Chinasat 12, a communication satellite, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province. A monitoring center based in Xi’an confirmed the launch successful after the satellite reached its preset orbit into the space.

The China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd.-operated satellite will provide telecommunications services to its customers across Asia, Europe and Africa. France’s Thales Alenia Space manufactured the Chinasat 12, which was launched with the help of the Long March-3B carrier rocket.

---

---