Tupac Katari, Bolivia's Chinese-made satellite, is said to have generated at least $16 million since it was launched in 2013.

 According to SpaceDaily, in its first year in orbit, the satellite's revenue reached 10 million dollars, and this year, it is nearing 6 million dollars. Ivan Zembrana, director of the Bolivian State Agency said, "It's an approximate figure, last year were close to 10 million and the current we have so far is nearing 6 million dollars." In Dec. 20, 2013, Bolivia's first satellite was launched but did not officially start its commercial operation until April of 2014.

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Zembrana said that the satellite makes a monthly revenue of 1.5 million dollars, but they expect it to rise to 2 million dollars in the coming years. With a yearly revenue of 20 million dollars, the Bolivian government can eventually make use of the profit to repay debts from China.

The minimal part of Bolivia in the expenses used on the satellite was supported by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation who built the satellite and the  financial aid amounting to 300 million dollars or 85 percent of the project from the Development Bank of China.

Agencies that have received financial aid from the satellite's revenue include Bolivia's Telesalud or Telehealth program, a medical mission conducted by the Bolivian government that aims to help those in rural areas. Tupac Katari's role in the health program of Bolivia includes treatment in real time through a video conference.

According  to the ehealthreporter, Martin Maturano, vice minister for health and promotion, said "this will undoubtly be a defining moment in the history of public health in the country." He also stated that the satellite's contribution is indeed one of the most noble contribution of Information Technology in the country because of its ability to reach areas that are impossible to visit physically by doctor.

Telehealth's 4 stages will be distributed into categories wherein 269 municipalities will enjoy the services of Tele 1. The Tele 2 stage will be used by 61 municipalities, Tele 3 by 9 and the last will be the main platform of the service.

TagsSatellite, china satellite, Tupac Katari, bolivia, Tech News