Pakistan's first Communications Satellite PAKSAT-1R, as a part of Pakistan's Space Programme 2040, was launched on 11th August 2011 at 2117 hrs, on board China's Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre.
Besides others, launch was witnessed by Secretary Defence Lt Gen Syed Athar Ali (R), Secretary Foreign Affairs, Salman Bashir, Director General, Strategic Plans Division Lt Gen Khalid Ahmed Kidwai (R) and Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Muhammad Masood Khan, said a press release issued here.
PAKSAT-1R has a total of 30 transponders, 12 in C-band and 18 in Ku-band.The satellite will be deployed at 380E in the Geo-stationary orbit and it will replace the existing satellite PAKSAT-1.
PAKSAT-1R has a design life of 15 years and will provide TV broadcasting, Internet and data communication services across South and Central Asia, Eastern Europe, East Africa and the Far East. This satellite now enables extending of communication services to all areas of Pakistan.
