Egypt’s first satellite

Egypt’s Information Minister Safwat El Sherif, now in France, traveled to the city of Toulouse to attend ground trials for Nilesat, a satellite commissioned by Egypt for launch into orbit in November.

The satellite was built by a major French corporation at an estimated cost of 158 million dollars.

Sherif is expected back in Paris tomorrow for talks with officials on media cooperation with Egypt.

Egypt’s first satellite, Nilesat, will be launched into orbit early next January, stated information minister Safawat El Sherif.

Addressing a Tolouse press conference following the inspection of the satellite built in this southwestern French town, the Egyptian official said the launch will be carried out by well-trained technicians.