Oct. 20 – China and Pakistan are collaborating to launch a joint space communications satellite next year, Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khan revealed in Beijing today.

The new satellite, named Paksat-1R, is expected to bring immense economic benefits to Pakistan. It is the culmination of an agreement reached during Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China in 2008 to launch the satellite and set up a joint communications project.

Ambassador Khan’s remarks came while addressing an official function in Beijing to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).

Established in 1980, the CGWIC is the sole commercial organization authorized by the Chinese government to provide satellites, commercial launch services, and carry out international space cooperation.

Ambassador Khan expressed the hope that a Pakistani astronaut will travel aboard a Chinese spacecraft in the not too distant future.