* Astronomy

China's satellite diplomacy shifts a gear
In late September, China announced that it would build and launch a new communications satellite for Bolivia in the next three years, and shortly thereafter, China announced that it would do the same for Laos, although no timetable was disclosed. Talk of China's satellite project with Laos has been circulating for over a year. Other countries, including Ecuador, Myanmar and Vietnam as well as a few in Africa, might soon be added to the list.

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