VeneSat-1 Program -- In-Orbit Delivery Program

On November 1, 2005, the Venezuelan Ministry of Science and Technology and China Great Wall Industry Corp. (CGWIC) signed a contract for the in-orbit delivery of Venezuela Communications Satellite (VeneSat-1).

On October 30, 2008, a LM-3B launch vehicle successfully launched VeneSat-1 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, and the satellite, two ground stations located in Bamari and Luepa, Venezuela, and a teleport located in Bamari were successfully handed over on December 1, 2008. A formal delivery ceremony was held on January 11, 2009 in Venezuela.

VeneSat-1 is CGWIC's first satellite in-orbit delivery contract signed with a Latin American customer, and also marks the first space cooperation project between China and Venezuela.

The VeneSat-1 Communications Satellite was designed and manufactured by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It is a communications satellite based on the DFH-4 satellite platform, and is fitted with 28 transponders, including 14 C-band, 12 Ku-band and 2 Ka-band transponders. To meet the complicated coverage requirements, VeneSat-1 is fitted with four shaped communication antennas covering South America and the Caribbean. The lift-off mass of VeneSat-1 is about 5050kg. Its end-of-life power exceeds 7.75 KW and the satellite has a service life span of 15 years. VeneSat-1 satellite will cover the 910,000 square kilometer territory of Venezuela, and will be used to improve telecom and broadcast services to the rural areas of the country.