Venezuela Launches Second Satellite

RIA Novosti

08:58 29/09/2012

MEXICO CITY, September 29 (RIA Novosti) - Venezuela launched its second ever satellite into space on Saturday, according to the Venezuelan press.

The satellite, named “Miranda," was launched from and made in China, and cost approximately $140 million.

The new unit will allow Venezuela to key an eye, 24 hours a day, over its entire national territory and update maps every 40 days. According to Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Jorge Arreaza, “Miranda” will deliver about 350 pictures daily – or nearly 128,000 per year.

The pictures will reportedly help authorities track various natural phenomena, and will also be used for agricultural purposes related to President Hugo Chavez’s ambitious housing program.

The satellite will be in orbit about 640 kilometers above the earth.

“Miranda” is named after Francisco de Miranda, a prominent leader of the South American Spanish colonies’ struggle for independence. He is a national hero in Venezuela and the creator of its flag.

Venezuela’s first satellite, Simon Bolivar, was launched in 2008 and was also named after a famous South American freedom fighter.