Bolivia Launches First Satellite

Bolivians are celebrating the launch of the country’s first telecommunications satellite with indigenous rituals dedicated to Pachamama, or Mother Earth.

President Evo Morales was in China for the Friday blast-off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan province.  “I’m very happy, satisfied and moved by the successful launch” of satellite Tupac Katari, said Bolivian President Evo Morales, who travelled to China for the mission.

It was the first time a foreign head of state had witnessed a satellite launch in China, Xinhua reported.

Hundreds of people gathered in the Bolivian capital of La Paz to watch the take-off on large television screens erected by the government.

The satellite is named after Tupac Katari, an indigenous Aymara hero who led 18th century resistance to Spanish colonisers. It was financed with a credit from the China Development Bank for US$302 million.

Ivan Zambrana is director of the Bolivian Space Agency. He says the satellite should be fully operational by March and help bring down communications costs and improve television and internet services for people living in rural areas.

Source: Bolivians launch first satellite