Storms delay RP satellite launch

Storms delay RP satellite launch

MANILA (DPA): Thunderstorms over the China launch site yesterday delayed for 24 hours the takeoff of the first Filipino- owned international communications satellite, officials said.

The decision was made to cancel the fueling procedure as "lightning could disastrously jeopardize the entire project," said Hector Villanueva, President Fidel Ramos' press secretary.

The satellite, named "Agila", was originally scheduled to be launched at 1:58 a.m yesterday at Xinchang, the southwest China launch site, but was postponed until 1:50 a.m. today.

"Heavy rains and thunderstorms prevented the fueling of the launch vehicle," Villanueva said.

Owned by the Mabuhay Philippine Satellite Corporation, Agila is set to occupy a 144-degree east longitude slot.