Space Journey

Nov 28, 2012 (LBO) - A Sri Lanka's first communications satellite by SupremeSAT, a Sino-Lankan joint venture was launched from China's Xi Chang launch centre on November 27, the state information office said. The launch of 'SupremeSAT-1' at 15.45 hours was successful, an alert from the state information office said.

SupremeSAT has said the comsat will be placed in a geostationary orbit at 87.5East longitude, after being taken to space by a Long March 3B/E launch vehicle.

It will have a footprint covering parts of the Middle East, South & Central Asia and also Australia.

The 5,100 kilogram 'SB 4000' series satellite with 36 transponders was built by Thales Alenia Space of France.

"SB 4000 series has a successful flight heritage, hence it's a very stable and reliable space platform," SupremeSAT says in its website.

The satellite is a joint venture between Sri Lanka's Supreme group and China's state-run Greatwall Industry Corporation and is backed by Rohitha Rajapaksa, a son of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.