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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Nigerian Satellite To Be Launched From Xichang Launch Center

Illustration of Dongfanghong 4

China is expected to put a self-made communication satellite into orbit for Nigeria in 2007, making the African nation the first foreign buyer of both a Chinese satellite and its launching service.
The news came as Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo arrived in Beijing last Thursday (April 14), starting a four-day state visit to China.

Describing the satellite export as a "milestone" in China's history in space, an official with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp said the satellite, called Dongfanghong 4, will be put into orbit by a Long March 3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Space Launch Centre in China's Southwest Sichuan Province sometime next year.

"China Aerospace will also help to train Nigerian technicians," said the official, identified as Li, adding that so far China has sent 28 foreign satellites into space.

According to Wang Junqiang, Huawei's representative in Nigeria, the wireless access technology will provide the necessary coverage to address the current telecommunications digital divide between rural areas and cities in the African nation.

More here: www.spacedaily.com/news/china-05zn.html
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I don't know what to think about this, considering the economic state of the Nigerian nation, but perhaps this is a way to exit that and compete internationally.

[Maddad]

Nigeria. Wow. I didn't think of them as being that hi-tech. Once they have the satellite up, they'll have broadband access in rural areas. Areas that right now are primitive beyond anything that most of us have ever seen. They also might be able to sell the service to neighboring countries for improved cash flow. It's great.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

You know Dave...

After some thought and your post here, I find that this is a perfect example of space funding.

Here's a country, quite poor by western standards, but yet are expanding their technological reach by launching this com sat. Most people would be protesting that ground based situations and problems should be addressed first before wasting money and dabbling in space projects. But this is a great way to start the emergence from poverty, join the communication revolution and compete.

Now if only they would exercise cell phone etiquette and not follow the rest of the world!

[Maddad]

Ah, man, cell phones! Don't talk to me about that. I was in the college library yesterday when somebody's cell phone rang. When it's happened to me I tell them to wait a moment and then walk out into the hall to talk to them. This guy though got into a discussion about why he should not be taling because he was at school. A loud discussion.