Trial operation of the payload of NIGCOMSAT-1, a civil communication satellite China made and launched for Nigeria, was undertaken, at Nigeria’s request, from 16:00 to 24:00 Beijing Time May 29. The test data show that the payload works and transmits signals normally.

NIGCOMSAT-1 was successfully fixed at east longitude 42 degrees, the expected Geo-stationary location, on May 22. The in-orbit test, as originally planned, is to be undertaken late June. The trial operation on May 29 was undertaken at Nigeria’s temporary request.