SHANGHAI, July 10 -- A CHINESE space expert yesterday said China's reliable Dongfanghong IV satellite carrier is set to garner more international satellite contracts.

After several days of adjustments and testing, Nigerian technicians have begun operating a Nigerian satellite designed in China and launched into orbit by Dongfanghong IV.

The Nigerian satellite, designed and manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology, was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 22.

Currently 10 satellites are in the pipeline for the Dongfanghong IV carrier, the chief designer said, noting that China is keen to sign more international contracts.