S'pore-Taiwan satellite ready

S'pore-Taiwan satellite ready

SINGAPORE (DPA): A major telecommunications satellite run
jointly by Singapore and Taiwan -- the first satellite for both
parties -- was set to be launched from South America today,
officials said.

The US$240 million satellite, dubbed ST-1, would be one of the
most powerful telecommunications satellites in use in Asia.

ST-1, owned by Singapore Telecom and Taiwan's Chunghwa
Telecom, is set to provide telephone and broadcasting services
over much of the Asia-Pacific region, project representatives
said yesterday.

The 3.2-metric ton satellite was built by Anglo-French company
Matra Marconi Space. France's Arianespace is subcontracted to
launch ST-1 into orbit some 36,000 kilometers above the earth
aboard one of its Ariane 4 rockets.