BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese space expert on Monday 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.

    "China has a totally integrated space technology offer -- we can design and manufacture a satellite and take it right through to handover to the customer," Zhou Zhicheng, chief designer of the Nigerian satellite, told Xinhua.

    "The Dongfanghong IV has proved that it is reliable," Zhou added.

    The Nigerian satellite, designed and manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), 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.

    According to the CAST, the Dongfanghong IV has a 15-year life span, nearly twice the III model, up to top international standards.

    The carrier, made with state-of-the-art materials, can handle a total launch weight of 5.1 tons.

    The satellite carrier also boasts improved navigation technologies, most of which have full Chinese intellectual property rights, according to the CAST.