The Hindu : International / Globescan : Satellite monitor at Olympics

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 05, 2004

International

International - Globescan

Satellite monitor at Olympics

Beijing: China is to take its Olympic preparations into space next year by launching a satellite to monitor the construction of venues and the Beijing traffic, which is the greatest threat to the success of the 2008 Games. Authorities say they want to monitor the progress of their multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment with the latest hi-tech equipment. The satellite, which will be launched next May, will orbit the earth at a distance of about 600 km, providing information for urban planning, environmental impact assessments, traffic control and disaster planning. It is part of the Government's attempt to use the Olympics to demonstrate the country's advanced technology. The Government will invest 190 million yuan (£14 millions) in the project, according to the official news agency, Xinhua. The satellite will be operational for a year after the Olympics. Beijing hopes the games will mark the emergence of China as a global power. Work is under way at a number of sites in the north of Beijing on a national stadium, 11 gymnasiums and four other major facilities.

— Guardian Newspapers Ltd

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