Caracas - Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jorge Arreaza informed Thursday that Venezuela will launch its second satellite, named Miranda, on September 28 or 29 from the People's Republic of China.

The satellite, which will help guarantee national security and defense, is assembled by a team of 52 Venezuelan scientists working in Beijing.

Arreaza informed that "on September 28 or 29, we will be watching live the launch of our terrestrial observation satellite, a decision taken by the President of the Republic (of Venezuela), Hugo Chavez, to promote technological sovereignty."

Speaking in Caracas, where he presented an overview of the government's achievements in science and technology, the minister displayed the first images of the construction of this observation satellite.

"We are setting a precedent with these images of the construction of our Miranda satellite in Beijing, our first scientific research satellite, a satellite for terrestrial observation," Arreaza added.

The Science and Technology Minister took the opportunity to reject frequent statements issued by the right wing in the country not to give much importance to Venezuela's Simon Bolivar and Miranda satellites.

"Maybe it is not sovereign to have practically real-time information of our territory through the Miranda satellite to take decisions in matters of planning, agriculture, housing, regarding the Grand Housing Mission Venezuela, risk management and to respond to tragedies," Arreaza said.

Digital Television

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jorge Arreaza informed that the country's free digital TV project will also begin operating in late September.

This innovative free signal will enable interactivity, transmission of high-resolution images and greater access to telecommunications throughout the country, since it will work nationwide.

Interactive qualities of the new digital TV will allow to broadcast real-time news through official information channels and will enable users to monitor meteorological conditions nationwide.

Law on science and technology

Furthermore, the Minister said that with the new Law on science, technology en innovation (aka LOTCI) has been resumed to carry out investments in that area.

Arreaza detailed that investment of public and private companies, which by 2010 reached 235 million bolivares (Bs), by 2011 added up to 1.64 billion bolivares and during 2012 it has reached Bs 4.43 billion.

Such resources have been invested in a scientific fund, programs such as free digital television and Canaima laptops, as well as projects for industrial development and energy saving.

Source: Venezuela News Agency (AVN)