Lockheed Martin to Launch New Communications Satellite

Lockheed Martin has announced that the VINASAT-1 communications satellite, designed and built by the company for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group is ready for launch on April 18, 2008, aboard an Ariane 5-ECA launch vehicle provided by Arianespace.

According to Lockheed Martin, the VINASAT-1 is based on its A2100A spacecraft platform and features 12 operating Ku Band transponders providing coverage over Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and part of Myanmar.

The spacecraft also features eight C-Band primary transponders providing coverage over Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Southeast Asia, India, Japan and Australia. VINASAT-1 is designed for a minimum service life of 15 years and will be located at orbital slot 132 degrees east.

The turnkey satellite system is expected to improve telecommunications in Vietnam by transmitting radio, television and telephone communications to all corners of the country. In addition, VINASAT-1 will improve communication networks infrastructure.