It seems that every time a great thing happens in space research, there is at least one more incident that will cause concern among space experts.

The country of Venezuela successfully launched its first satellite into orbit aboard a Chinese Long March 3II rocket.  The Venesat-1 launch took place at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China.

Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Chinese and Venezuelans officials expect the satellite to work for at least 15 years.

The successful launch of the $406 million project was greeted with joy by President Hugo Chavez, who said, "This satellite is a satellite for freedom."

Although it could be used to listen to phone conversations, Venezuelan government officials said the satellite will be used strictly for radio and TV transmissions only.  It will reportedly be able to provide thousands of Venezuelans living in remote locations to have TV, radio and Internet access.  More importantly, remote areas will be able to have tele-education and medical capabilities once the satellite begins transmission.

Three months of satellite maintenance tests must be carried out, and then the satellite will go online in 2009.

The satellite's reach will span from southern Mexico to Argentina.  Nations within coverage range will have the opportunity to use the satellite for telecommunications purposes, Venezuela officials said.

Venezuela joins Brazil, Mexico and Argentina as the only Latin American nations that have satellites in space. Venezuela plans to continue research for future satellite projects, but did not specify what kind of projects it's interested in.  

The satellite will be monitored at a new space facility in Venezuela, alongside Chinese space technicians who will be assigned to the facility.