Venezuelan Satellites



(Beijing, China)

Venezuela’s second satellite, dubbed the Miranda, was launched Saturday in optimum weather conditions from the Jiuquan space center in the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu, according to the Asian country’s state television network.

Blast off took place at 12:12 p.m. local time (0412 GMT) at the space station in a desert region along the ancient Silk Road, and was the second satellite that China has put into orbit for Venezuela after its first, the Simon Bolivar, was launched on Oct. 29, 2008 from the western base of Xichang.

The Miranda will serve as an observation platform used mainly for urban planning, military operations and controlling illegal mining and crops.

President Hugo Chavez said the two satellites mean Venezuela is 'in the forefront of history.'