MUMBAI: China is slated to launch nine satellites including its first direct broadcasting satellite (DBS) satellite -- SinoSat-2 satellite by the end of this year.

SinoSat-2 has been designed to serve the needs for television broadcasting, Direct PC and broadband multimedia systems in China as well as the neighbouring regions for 15 years.
SinoSat2 will be the new member to the SinoSat fleet. With 22 Ku-band transponders on board, SinoSat-2 will be the first spacecraft based on the new domestic high power satellite bus, known as DFH-4.

One of its features is that the satellite is the first anti-jamming
satellite in China. It meets the transmission security requirements and can effectively block illegal signals from abroad.

The launch of SinoSat 2, had been scheduled for the year 2005. But the launch had been put off. According to People's China Daily Online, China State Information advisory committee member He Dongcai, "The nation must first launch relevant regulations on the receiving and watching of direct-broadcast satellite programmes".

Developed by the Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST), SinoSat-2 marks China's first satellite based on a public platform for a new-generation of large GEO communication satellites.

According to media reports, CAST president Zhang Qingwei said that the first one to launch is a scientific experimental satellite, which would blast off at the end of April.

Qingwei said that China will send into orbit a "seed satellite" specially designed for seed-breeding in space. It is scheduled for September.

Other satellites in the pipeline include a meteorological satellite and oceanic satellite that will monitor ocean colour and red tides.