中國為尼日利亞發射通訊衛星 (China Launches Satellite Into Space for Nigeria)

中國官方媒體說，中國航天局為尼日利亞成功發射了一顆通訊衛星。

新華社說，運載著這顆中國制造的衛星的火箭星期一午夜后從四川發射中心升空。

新華社說，這是中國首次為國外客戶發射中國國產衛星。尼日利亞的這顆衛星將用來擴展中非地區手機和互聯網服務。

新華社說，2004年，尼日利亞把這項價值3億1千1百萬美元的衛星項目交給中國。

這個通訊社說，迄今，中國已經把大約30顆外國衛星發送到太空。

Chinese state media say China's space agency has successfully launched a communications satellite into orbit for Nigeria.

The Xinhua News Agency says a rocket carrying the Chinese-made satellite lifted off from a launch center in Sichuan just after midnight today (Monday).

Xinhua says the launch marks the first time China has sent a domestically-produced satellite into space on behalf of a foreign buyer.

The news agency says Nigeria's (NIGCOMSAT-1) satellite will be used to expand mobile phone and Internet services in central Africa.

Xinhua says Nigeria awarded the satellite project to China in 2004 in a deal worth 311 million dollars.

The news agency says China has been commissioned to send about 30 foreign satellites into space.