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SL to send astronaut to space in 5 years -Vitharana
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Sri Lanka will send its first astronaut to space within the next seven years with the help of the Chinese Government now that we have entered the space age with the launching of the SupremeSat–1 on November 27, Science and Technology Senior Minister Tissa Vitharana said yesterday.
He said a private Sri Lankan company SupremeSat has entered into a partnership agreement with China Great wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) for the design, manufacture and launching of telecommunication satellite SupremeSat and two other satellites by 2015. The second satellite is expected to be launched in April 2013.
“The total cost for the four-year project has been estimated at US$300 million funded completely by the private sector. There has been no government involvement. The Chinese government has agreed to establish an aeronautic and space administration center at Pallekele in Sri Lanka to administer, monitor and control satellites and to receive and distribute satellite communication. It also expects to train astronauts at Pallekele. As such Sri Lanka can hope to send a Pallekele Space Centre-trained astronaut to space at some future date,” the minister said.
Commenting on the country’s satellite communication programme with CGWIC, the minister said Sri Lanka must not rely on commercial satellites launched by other countries because the SupremeSat -1 with the Lion Flag on its shell had undertaken to lease a part of its payload for commercial purposes to the Supreme Group of Companies headed by R.M. Nilan Maligaspe.
The SupremeSat-1 will provide Satellite Broadcasting, Digital Multimedia Systems, Data Transmission to East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and the Pacific Region, the minister said.
“The SupremeSat – 1 is a Geo Stationary Satellite (GSS) which will be positioned in an orbit of about 26,000 kilometers above Sri Lanka. This will help Sri Lanka to use it for telecommunication purposes with more clear and quality TV, radio and telecommunication transmissions with costs. Sri Lanka can use the SupremeSat –1 to provide facilities to other countries and earn much needed foreign exchange,” the minister said.
The satellite was launched on November 27 from the Xichang Sattelite Launch Centre. (SAJ)
Comments - 74
Comments - SL to send astronaut to space in 5 years -Vitharana
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Fusion Saturday, 22 December 2012 11:10 AM
MR's plan is to have his youngest son "Rohitha" as the 1st Sri Lankan in space.
0 13
Niffy Boy Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:07 PM
I wonder how only our politicians can be so foolish..:lol
0 4
Wisdom_Seeker Saturday, 22 December 2012 02:56 PM
How can it be a great achievement for Sri Lanka just because some influential Sri Lankan manages to find enough money to become a space tourist?
Nor can we consider ourselves to have entered the "space age" just because some influential company found enough money to fund the launch of a Chinese satellite!!!0 5
Packian Saturday, 22 December 2012 02:44 PM
Any wouldbe astronaut has to posess postgratuate training in related disciplines like cosmology,aeronautical engineering, advanced physics related to extra terrestrial environment, and has to have had experiance in flying advanced supersonic aircraft.,and posess absolutely healthy physique and endurance.
This is NOT like driving a bullock cart.
There is none in sri lanka to aspire to become an astraunaut,nor will there be in the future.
Any potential candidates has left sri lanka,to acquire the necessary disciplines abroad.0 4
man hatton Saturday, 22 December 2012 01:56 PM
Send all the corrupted politians let them disappear in the space
0 6
singing fish Saturday, 22 December 2012 01:07 PM
The swelling of a finger should be according to its size.
0 7
Gonson Saturday, 22 December 2012 12:49 PM
Chinese man cannot be the first and die...need a SL ginipig. ..go for it SL!
0 13
Panikkiya Saturday, 22 December 2012 12:29 PM
No.... who we should permanently orbit are the dumb voters. Dont forget the golden saying "Any crook with reign if crowned!"
0 8
Nalaka Saturday, 22 December 2012 11:58 AM
Sending a astronaut to space is because Mahinda Rajapakse's youngest son is interested in becoming a astronaut. Hence the interest in space. Its all to do with the Rajapakse family and their fantasies.
0 3
manel Saturday, 22 December 2012 11:36 AM
hope some of our politicians who speaks politely go to space and discribe in polite language to sri lankans how the space will look like
0 6
Mervin Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:13 PM
Send astropolitician to hide all what they have eraned illigally as swiss bank now stoped all black money business.
0 6
wickeyag Saturday, 22 December 2012 11:01 AM
Recently it is revelled that China is the most corrupted country on offering of contracts mainly on the construction and Govt. supplies field who pay off handsome commissions ( This news was highly published in Europe but not in Asia. ) What will be the commission they expect on vise versa contract?
0 1
janatha bahu Saturday, 22 December 2012 10:49 AM
yes dr vitharana , that s the only thing we are in short
0 12
wickeyag Saturday, 22 December 2012 10:48 AM
Why not consider to drop the school children of this bank of the river to the opposite bank for the school?
0 5
Guest Saturday, 22 December 2012 09:50 AM
Who else? A Rajapaksha misak.
1 22
RoshanR Saturday, 22 December 2012 09:28 AM
for saying this, Tissa Vitarana will be rewarded witha better Ministry. A few days back he was critical of the Government at the LSSP anniversary. He must have later thought his criticism will cost him his Ministry. Any way, are these our priorities? I thought Marxists understand these things better. On second thought, the present leaders are not a patch on the old leaders, who made mistakes but were at least honest.
0 2
Yuri Saturday, 22 December 2012 09:32 AM
must be a Sri Lankan House Maid ?
0 3
Astro Nut Saturday, 22 December 2012 09:24 AM
You guys got it wrong, this is not Astronaut , this is what we call a SPACE TOURIST and that cost lots of money and in return you gained nothing except for bragging rights A Sri Lankan went to space.
May be the village folks will be impressed and the ego of some megalomaniac shooting all the way to outer space.
Is it worth it ?0 4
Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 22 December 2012 08:49 AM
We all know that the first Sri Lankan astronaut is a Baby Prince who has already worked on this satellite project as an engineer. Obviously, we have to wait for another 5 or 7 years to allow him to grow up a bit more. If the current chaotic situation in the country continues like this, most probably the Baby's father would be the first ever Sri Lankan astronaut before the Baby goes up!
0 4
Stoner stone age Sunday, 23 December 2012 05:17 AM
I am always in the moon..with my friends
0 2
Yehiya Monday, 24 December 2012 04:32 AM
First send the select commity members to court.
1 1
sach Sunday, 23 December 2012 01:26 PM
Actually this baby had to do OL two times to pass and he is now a space system engineer after 3 month course! jst tell me is ppl in this country that mad?
0 2
Thilan Karunathilake Sunday, 23 December 2012 08:43 AM
Dear Mr Minister
Science and technology should be researching,innovation and practice . not buying/hiring or trading others technology0 4
Asa Sunday, 23 December 2012 08:19 AM
Why cant they understand this, it is simple. Just spend all that money on Education, we will see far more better development in the long run. That is not rocket science for your information!!!
1 2
Upul Sunday, 23 December 2012 08:13 AM
Yes it will be worth it, if he does not come back
0 3
Thilan Karunathilake Sunday, 23 December 2012 05:56 AM
I think sri lankan government has a problem on prioritizing matters
1 6
Prasad Sunday, 23 December 2012 05:58 AM
He surely is a proud father...("Aadambarakaara Thaththa")...!!!
1 5
Upul Sunday, 23 December 2012 05:56 AM
Good. Send more of them into outer Space. With sri Lanka's record they will not come back. Problem solved.
0 3
Upul Saturday, 22 December 2012 08:40 AM
The heads of the Royal family will gain in size!
1 8
jan Sunday, 23 December 2012 04:49 AM
Then he will be Mervi Gagarin of lanka
2 6
AAA Sunday, 23 December 2012 04:45 AM
Most of Sri Lankan Politicians are already flying in space (Heaven )
0 1
CEEDEEBEE Sunday, 23 December 2012 03:14 AM
I note my Comment asking The DM to clarify 5 or 7 years has been omitted presumably because I attacked slack Editorial Control, however please advise is it 5 years as stated in the headline or 7 years as stated in the report.
0 0
Kira Sunday, 23 December 2012 02:08 AM
WHY SEND ONE < SEND ALL LIVING SRI LANKANS TO SPACE> BECAUSE IN FIVE YEARS CHINISE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKEOVER SRI LANKA FOR UNPAID LOANS>
0 1
Kira Sunday, 23 December 2012 01:58 AM
The Government have to make the choice between One man going to the space and owe China some more money or Feed the needy people is Sri Lanka for some time.
0 0
Pasel Sunday, 23 December 2012 12:29 AM
Sure the can send human to the space via Chinese capsule
One way to space like Chinese satellite0 0
Alibaba Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:41 PM
The Minister & the Astronaut should wear Dypers,get some stuff from their Drug(KUDU) agents before launch they can be in space.
0 3
Vidvath Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:22 PM
For what? to tell the astrological forecasts more accurately? Is this the most needed scientific advancement of the hour? Can't you suggest a more appropriate goal which benefit masses in the country without providing laughing stocks?
0 4
citzen silva Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:53 AM
As usual got priorties mixed up. Put our house in order - give a
decent education system. no short cuts Phds -4 35
Sammy Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:20 AM
If Lamborghinis can be imported for road race why not import rockets also for space race!
2 11
shawn Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:19 AM
boruwata astronaut kiyannethuwa, rohithawa yawanawa kiwwa nang iwarai ne.
2 11
Matalan Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:24 AM
Waste of time even to think about it as basic human needs are at a premium and declining by the day. Delve deeper into communities far away from Colombo to see the misery they go through.
1 6
Ellapolla Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:13 AM
Jaya wewa Mahinda Rajapakse, you are the greatest President ever to send our lankan boyz to the space. We all respect you so much! You r our hero
14 3
ANTON Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:16 AM
ARE THERE ASTRONAUTS IN SRILANKA
4 3
arjuna Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:12 AM
Oh i knew this news will coming soon. and the first astronaut's name is Rajapakse. Yoshitha definitely.
also we could be send our politicos to see the heaven . too.0 9
rehan Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:11 AM
he wont be there to answer the question then. lol
0 4
Fairose Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:02 AM
In 5 years the cost of living will go " Ahasa Usata", we do not rocket to to moon. The entire to go to moon and fall down to to earth while purchasing anything as needs cannot be met with earnings.
0 7
Puswedilla Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:54 AM
Isn't the entire country already spaced out!
1 36
Rakith Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:30 AM
Meanwhile people are starving.
1 6
Upul Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:40 AM
The first to take the leap will be ????
2 19
Andy Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:46 AM
Puh! That's a good one but it does not attrack the public similar to the likes of the Doctor of Kelaniya.
3 17
Sukiri Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:35 AM
We know who the astronaut will be from now onwards... even if their was a Sri Lankan astronaut who works for NASA, it will not be him but a son of a political figure who has just come out of Astronomy college!
2 82
Raja Raju Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:26 AM
The Government must understand what the people are in need of today. Not what your leaders want. Planing to send Sri Lanka Astronaut is like Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome burned.
We need food priced to be lowered first so cut your lavish spending first.6 78
Nimal Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:19 AM
In 5 years..surely Petrol, Gas, Electricity, Bus fares and Food prices will go up
4 54
Thomas Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:20 AM
You need a rocket to send an astronaut, we are already up in our cost of living and become Astronauts. WHY SEND ONE??
3 65
Ranjit Wicks Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:16 AM
Send Mervyn Silva to space for good so that the people can live peacefully in Sri Lanka.
2 76
sri kali Saturday, 22 December 2012 03:09 AM
Would U kindly tell us the First name?
6 39
man hatton Saturday, 22 December 2012 06:32 AM
Fist of all try to feed your people with "Nutritious Food" of do you want to this country like Pakistan?
2 20
Rata Haraka Saturday, 22 December 2012 08:40 AM
We all know who the 'only qualified and suitable' candidate will be, don't we my fellow citizens.
0 6
suwaris Saturday, 22 December 2012 07:35 AM
agreed, hopefully on a one way spacecraft :)
0 11
lol123 Saturday, 22 December 2012 07:22 AM
you mean the chinese are sending a chinese to space from sri lanka. ?
0 17
lan Saturday, 22 December 2012 07:10 AM
Hope our nation will remain after 5 years to send even a balloon to space ; when we look at the rate government is wasting nation's resources without recognizing the priorities .
1 20
Shiraz Saturday, 22 December 2012 07:04 AM
By that time Cost of living also will rise to space with Astronaut
1 17
Huna Saturday, 22 December 2012 06:51 AM
first of all we didn't send any satellite to orbit as far as i know , secondly what we are hoping to gain from sending an astronaut to the Space?
1 17
Ruki Herath Saturday, 22 December 2012 06:50 AM
I say, send all the politicians to space, never to return! I am willing to contribute money to that. What do you think?
0 22
HKS Saturday, 22 December 2012 06:48 AM
NOT ONE BUT ALL THOSE POLITICIANS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BRIBERY, CORRUPTION AND ABUSE AND MISUSE OF POWER MUST BE SENT TO THE SPACE(AND BEYOND) AFTER FIVE YEARS!
1 19
manoj Saturday, 22 December 2012 02:58 AM
SEND Mervin Silva, then Malaka as Astronomical Secretary then FORM a PSC
5 80
OMG Saturday, 22 December 2012 05:37 AM
Sri Lanka will be the fist country in the world to send a politician to space at a cost of USD 900 million.
1 24
Jaya Saturday, 22 December 2012 05:28 AM
There's a similar country loved by everyone. N.K
0 5
kaputakukula Saturday, 22 December 2012 05:27 AM
The joke of yesterday 21-12-12: "The world end today".
The biggest joke of today: "Simple Banda will go to space" of course with bada ginnen.The biggest joke of today: "Simple Banda will go to space" of course with bada ginnen.')" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px">Reply 1 6
Pissupoosa Saturday, 22 December 2012 05:25 AM
In 5 years time we will have to get the Chinese governments help to even go to the toilet.
0 10
Jagath Leanage Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:59 AM
Mr.Minister, I will put down some questions which are puzzling to us?
1.Who will be the 1st Astronaut?
2.What are the benefits common people will have, who are living in remote/rural areas & suburban areas?3 35
Minister Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:51 AM
I am wondering who is that private sector enterprise that is willing to invest US$ 300 million and what they are going to gain out of that!
4 37
Minister Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:49 AM
Next election gymic. It will say now we are also in par with countries that have invaded the space. Wow, what an achievement it will be. It does not matter if we don't have bridges, electricity, health facilities, required medicine for people etc, etc. in our villages.
3 25
Ruzaick Saturday, 22 December 2012 04:44 AM
And we citizens of Sri Lanka can see stars
1 33
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