China's space ambitions bestow satellite on Nigeria

China's space ambitions bestow satellite on Nigeria
In the latest of Chinese purposes to make a mark in space, Nigeria will soon be gifted a satellite launch in early 2007 by the Asian country, which is going full throttle with its space projects this year.

Xu Dazhe, deputy GM of China Aerospace Science and Technology Ltd., announced on Monday that China will make and launch a satellite for commercial objectives for Nigeria.

Prior to the Nigeria deal, China has launched a number of Asiasat 2 telecom satellites for other nations and has numerous space deals on the anvil yet. The recent Shenzhou-6 space mission was the 88th launch project carried out by Chinese space authorities.

After completing 24 launches for 30 commercial satellites, China was still making only the components and not the whole satellite. With the Nigeria deal, it will be the sole manufacturer and launcher of the project.

A Venezuela deal is also in the pipeline. The satellite for Venezuela will go a long way in making the country independent in the telecom arena.

The Venezuela deal follows closely at the heels of the landmark Nigeria project bagged by China.

Much is being speculated upon regarding China's recent space ambitions and there is curiosity in international circles about how much of these are directed at peaceful purposes.

According to Xu, China's interest lies in peaceful applications of space expertise. Subject to approved budget planning, China also intends to send its astronauts to the moon, say, in about 15 years from now.