Work on a new satellite called Dongfanghong-IV, which makes use of China's most advanced space technology, is progressing smoothly, Xinhua reported yesterday.

All the key technical problems for the satellite have been resolved and design and production work has started, said the report.

The satellite, jointly developed by the Chinese Academy of Space Technology and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, is China's third generation communications satellite.

Compared with former models, the Dongfanghong-IV has much more power and capacity, and a longer lifespan of up to 15 years.

The satellite will mainly be involved in communications and television broadcasting.

China has also made great progress in manufacturing and establishing its most sophisticated satellite platform, also called Dongfanghong-IV. The country is one of a select number in the world that can produce large-scale communications satellites and their platforms.

At the same time, work on the Sinosat-II satellite, which will be the first to use the platform, is on track.

(China Daily 07/03/2003 page1)