[Satellite TODAY 08-11-11] China is set to launch a communications satellite for Pakistan on a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Chinese government officials confirmed Aug. 10.

   The 30-transponder satellite aims to give Pakistan strategic advantages in military and cross-border areas and help Pakistan’s National Space Agency meet its communications needs. The spacecraft will work on both Ku- and C-bands and controlled by earth stations in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan.

   Pakistan is a member of the Beijing-based Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, which is implementing a project to share remote sensing data among member states. Other members include Bangladesh and Iran, which also will share early warning, disaster prevention and resource exploitation data.