VeneSat-1 completes second year in orbit,Venezuela praise its perfect performance

On Dec.1, 2010, VeneSat-1 has successfully completed two years in orbit. The spacecraft is in good health and performing properly, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities (ABEA) of Venezuela .

In a feature posted on the website of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Venezuela titled as “VeneSat-1 operating perfectly in orbit for two years”, the spacecraft is performing flawlessly and consistent with its design specification. In November, 2010, Mr. Ricardo, the Minister of Science and Technology told the Venezuelan official television station during his interview, that ”…the communications satellite project of Venezuela is a strategic decision of President Chavez, made from the geopolitical viewpoint, and also greatly enhanced the communication capacity of the country“.

On the anniversary celebrating ceremony of the Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities (ABEA), Mr. Francisco, the Executive Director of ABEA, said, “…many engineers of were trained and educated in , and  devoted to the work of satellite monitoring and control after returning to .  This means that is stepping into the ranks of the aerospace countries.

The two years of operation of Venesat-1 has facilitated the development of telecommunications, broadcasting, remote education and telemedicine in Venezuelawhile accelerating the social progress and economic prosperity as well. According to Mr. Ricardo, over 2,500 satellite receiving antennas were installed across during the past two years, especially in the remote areas. More than 1,700 education centers, 89 energy resource stations, and 214 agricultural infrastructures are connected through Venesat-1. The satellite also plays a significant role in telemedicine.