At 00: 41, December 20th, 2011, Nigerian Communication Satellite -1R was successfully launched by China on a Long March 3B (LM-3B) launch vehicle from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
The launch was conducted according to the NigComSat-1R Contract signed by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT LTD.) and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The NigComSat-1R is a replacement for the Nigeria Communications Satellite 1 (NigComSat-1) that failed in orbit.
NigComSat-1R spacecraft is built on Dong Fang Hong 4 (DFH-4) satellite bus developed by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and launched by LM-3B launch vehicle, developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle (CALT). China Satellite Launch Tracking and Control General (CLTC) is providing tracking, control and ground segment support for the program. The NigComSat-1R is the 8th satellite built on the DFH-4 bus for in-orbit delivery and the NigComSat-1R launch is the 18th flight of LM-3B launch vehicle and the 154th flight in the series of the Long March launchers.
NigComSat-1R, covering Central, Western and Southern Africa, Central and Eastern part of Europe, and some areas of Mid-Asia, will be mainly used for communications, broadcasting, tele-education, broad-band multimedia service, navigation service, etc. NigComSat-1R is expected to improve the relevant national infrastructures of Nigeria and benefit people within its coverage. NigComSat-1R will promote the economic and technological development and social progress in neighboring countries, especially the sub-Sahara African countries, and shall contribute substantially to the improvement of livelihood in the region.
Nigeria was the first customer of the in-orbit delivery business of China Space. The collaboration of China and Nigeria has been enhanced by mutual understanding and full trust built during the difficulties experienced. After the setback, Nigeria stood firm in its determination to utilize space for the benefit of her people and actively explored means to deepen its cooperation with China. China Space adhered to a high standard of integrity and rewarded the trust and choice of Nigeria with unprecedented commitment. The years from when the failure of NigComSat-1 was properly handled to the successful launch of NigComSat-1R have also witnessed the enhanced friendship between the two Nations. China Space has progressed in its international development with very steady and solid steps.