Posted: Fri, Jun 11, 2004, 10:27 AM ET (1427 GMT)
French satellite manufacturer Alcatel Space announced Friday that it has won a contract from a state-run Chinese media company for a communications satellite. Alcatel said that the China Satellite Communication Corporation, or ChinaSat, has ordered the Chinasat 9 communications satellite from the manufacturer. The satellite will be based on Alcatel;s Spacebus 4000 C1 platform, weighing about 4,500 kilograms and fitted with 22 Ku-band transponders. The satellite will be launched at some unspecified date on a Chinese Long March booster and be stationed at 92.2 degrees east. The satellite will provide direct broadcast TV services to Chinese consumers.

Related Links:

•  Alcatel press release