摘要
China’s new generation of communications satellites Will be ready for launch early next year.The Dongfanghong III satellite is in the final stage of assembly and testing.The new satellite,weighing 2.22 tons andwith a setvice life of eight years,will replace three experimental Chinese communications satellites already in orbit.It will provide more channels for television programmes and telecommunications sevices than those three puttogether.New technology will be used in the manufacturing of the satellite.The use of tri-axial stabili/ationtechnology,not commonly applied in satellite manufacturing.will make it possible for the satellite’s wingshaped solar array and antenna to deploy as soon as it is separated from its launch carrier.This requires advancedand accurate driving and controlling systems.The Chinese Academy of Space Technology has co operated
