China, Brazil to Develop New SatelliteChina and Brazil signed an agreement in Beijing Wednesday to jointly develop an earth resources satellite, which is expected to be launched in 2001.The satellite will be assembled in Brazil by scientists from the two nations, and launched at China's Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, according to the agreement. This will be the second earth resources satellite to be developed by the two nations. The first one was launched by a Chinese Long March rocket in October last year. The new satellite, which is expected to be more reliable and advanced, will replace the first one, which has a life span of two years. The earth resources satellite is designed to monitor geological, oceanic and meteorological conditions. Sources said that the first Sino-Brazilian satellite has been providing high-quality photos and data for the two countries, playing a big role in disaster-prevention and other economic activities. Before the launch of the satellite, both China and Brazil had to rely on foreign data. The satellite project is considered to be a successful example of cooperation between developing countries. |
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