A substitute satellite for the failed SinoSat-2, billed as China's first direct-to-home broadcasting satellite, will take at least three years to develop, according to a SinoSat spokesman.

"The company is drafting a replacement plan. The substitute satellite will not be a carbon copy of the previous one and we are expecting more technical upgrades," spokesman Fan Xinming said.

In the company's first public admission that SinoSat-2 suffered a technical failure on Nov. 8, spokesman Fan Xinming said that the satellite became defunct when the solar power panels ceased to function.

"Thus, the spacecraft was unable to provide broadcasting and telecommunications services," he said.

Fan was quick to defend the failure of SinoSat-2 in the wake of criticism over the costly flop.

"High risks are characteristic of the space industry. Many other satellite operators in China and overseas have suffered similar mishaps before," he said.

"The SinoSat-2 is now located in quasi-GEO orbit and further investigations are being conducted into the manufacturing faults," he said.

Fan also announced that "SinoSat-3", dedicated to radio and television services, would be launched in May.

"The research and preparation for the new satellite have been going smoothly," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2006)