Bolivia creates space program to build, launch 1st satellite from poor South American country
By APWednesday, February 10, 2010
Bolivia to create space program, launch satellite
LA PAZ, Bolivia — Bolivia says it has created a space agency to build and launch the poor South American country’s first satellite.
Public Works Minister Walter Delgadillo Terceros says the government will initially invest $1 million in the Bolivian Space Agency. He says Chinese experts have arrived in the country to take charge of the satellite’s construction and launch.
Construction of the third-generation DFH-4 satellite is slated to begin in March. The satellite will be named Tupac Katari, after an Aymara Indian who led indigenous rebellions against the Spanish colonial government in the 16th century.
Bolivian President Evo Morales signed a decree establishing the agency Wednesday.
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