Published : 2025-07-18
On July 18, 1998, the Long March-3B rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, was successfully launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, sending the "SinoSat-1" communication satellite into the designated orbit.
This launch was carried out based on the launch service contract signed in July 1996 between China Great Wall Industry Corporation and the Sino-German joint venture Hua De Space Technology Co., Ltd.
At that time, the combination of "Chinese rocket + European satellite" was the first appearance in the international commercial launch service market.
The "SinoSat-1" was contracted by the French Aerospatiale company, which was responsible for the production and manufacturing of the satellite; the German Dornier Satellite Systems company provided the main subsystems of the satellite.
The satellite is owned by the Sino Satellite Communications Co., Ltd., which was initiated and formed by the former Aerospace Corporation, the former National Defense Science and Technology Commission, the People's Bank of China, and the Shanghai Municipal Government.
It is mainly engaged in leasing transponders of communication satellites and related satellite communication services.
"SinoSat-1" can cover the entire China and the Asia-Pacific region, providing public satellite communication, dedicated network satellite communication, and broadcast television services to users in its beam coverage area.
Through "SinoSat-1," users can receive 11 sets of programmes from China Central Television (CCTV) and 10 provincial stations in the western region, as well as a unified platform of overseas programmes, which includes many well-known channels such as CNN, BBC, NHK, CNBC, ESPN, Discovery Channel, NGC, and numerous global and Asian movie channels like HBO, CINEMAX, STAR Movies, and Phoenix Satellite Television Movie Channel.
