China Plans 2013 Release for New Telecom Satellite Options

摘要

The Chinese Academy of Space Technology plans to introduce its two new versions of China's DFH-4 telecommunications satellite platform starting next year, both featuring lithium-ion batteries and the option of ion-electric propulsion, an academy official said Oct. 4. Both versions are intended to strengthen China's position in the global market for telecommunications platforms. In a presentation here to the 63rd International Astronautical Congress, Yongxuan Xiao said that '"with great support from [China's] native satellite operator," the first small-class version of DFH-4, called the 4S, will make its qualification flight as part of a commercial mission operated by China Satellite Communications Co. Ltd.