China’s state media reports that on Friday, the country will hand over control of the “Simon Bolivar” satellite it built and launched for Venezuela. It will make Venezuela the fourth Latin American country with its own satellite. It is also China’s first contract with any Latin American country to manufacture and launch a satellite.

“Simon Bolivar,” which is to be used for television broadcasting, distance learning and tele-medicine – such as transmitting x-rays and ultrasounds to distant health centers, was launched in China’s Sichuan province on October 29, last year. The satellite itself cost US$240 million and was partially financed by China.

So, does China stand to become Latin America’s space ship and satellite dealer? Perhaps. US$240 million is not a bad price for a satellite, but how about the product quality?

In the week following the launch of “Simon Bolivar” in late October, troubling reports came in from NigComSat-1 – a Chinese-made satellite launched for Nigeria in 2007. NigComSat-1’s solar panel had malfunctioned, its electrical power supply was damaged, and there were rumors that it was flying almost out of control, threatening nearby satellites. NigComSat-1, another telecom satellite that had cost US$311 million, was dead after only 18 months in orbit. China had promised 15 years.

China has also promised Venezuela that “Simon Bolivar” will be operational for 15 years. When Venezuela takes control of the satellite this Friday, you can be sure it will be kicking the tires more than once.

Image: Reuters