China launches 1st high-throughput communications satellite

To enable passengers of high-speed trains to watch HD videos smoothly

China on Wednesday successfully launched a new communication satellite which will enable passengers of high-speed trains to watch high-definition videos smoothly and help those at the scene of natural disasters.

Shijian-13, China's first high-throughput communications satellite, was launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China's southwestern Sichuan Province.

The satellite, with a transfer capacity of 20 Gbps and a designed orbital life of 15 years, was sent into orbit on a Long March-3B carrier rocket, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The satellite, which has a higher message capacity than the combined capacity of all of China's previous communications satellites, is capable of providing better Internet access on planes and high-speed trains, as well as in less-developed regions.

While in orbit, the satellite will undergo tests on its broadband multimedia satellite communications system and the high-speed laser communication technology between the ground and the satellite.

"The launch is a milestone for China's communications satellite technology," said Tian Yulong, chief engineer of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence.

Different from previous satellites fuelled by chemicals, Shijian-13 is the first Chinese satellite to be powered by electricity.

Using electricity as propellant could potentially improve efficiency by as much as 10 times compared with those that use chemicals as a propellant, said Zhou Zhicheng, commander in chief of Shijian-13 satellite system.

Zhou added that it can also help extend satellite life and reduce launch weight significantly.

For the first time, a large number of domestic components have been used on the communications satellite. It is also the first time a laser communications system has been installed on a Chinese high orbit satellite with a long lifespan, Xinhua added.