China Academy of Launch ( Vehicle (CALT). China Satellite Launch Tracking and Control General (CLTC) are providing tracking, control and ground segment support for the programme.

It is the eighth satellite built on the DFH-4 bus for in-orbit delivery. NigComSat-1R launch is the 18th flight of LM-3B launch vehicle and the 154th flight in the series of the Long March launchers. The satellite with service lifespan of over 15 years was designed to meet the needs of telecommunications, maritime, defence, broadcast media in Africa, Western Europe and part of Asia. It has 28 active transponders, Ku- band, Ka- band, C-Band and L-band.

The Two ground stations located in Abuja and Kashi, China, owned by NigComSat, participated in the launch.

The satellite travelled at more than 8,200 miles per second and at exactly 6.07pm, the separation, marking the successful launch, took place in space and was marked with the popping of champagne at the Abuja ground station.

On ground to witness the launch were Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; her Science and Technology counterpart, Prof. Okon Ewa Bassey; Chairman, Senate Committee on Communication, Senator Gilbert Nnaji; House members, Managing Director and Chief Executive of NIGCOMSAT, Engr. Ahmed-Rufai; NigComSat-1R Project Director and Executive Director, Marketing, Abimbola Alale; as well as the Chief Executive of LASACO Insurance Plc, Mr. Sola Ladipo-Ajayi in China.