VINASAT-2 to Be Launched into Orbit

On May 9, 2012, the State-owned Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) said that Vietnam is going to launch its second communications satellite, VINASAT-2, at 5:13 am on May 16, 2012 (Vietnam time).

VINASAT-2 will be launched into the geostationary orbit at 131.8 degrees east longitude by Arian launch vehicle missile made by Arianespace from the Guiana Space Centre at the Kourou, French Guiana (South America), where the Vinasat-1 was sent to the orbit.

The VINASAT-2, made by modern technology, is expected to operate in 15 years. With 30 Ku-band transponders (24 commercial transponders and six backup units), which provide radio, television and telephone transmission services, it will cover Southeast Asia and nearby areas. The transmission capacity of VINASAT-2 is equivalent to 13,000 voice/Internet/data channels or 150 television channels.

The VINASAT-2 project aims at the national strategic goal of strengthening telecommunications infrastructure capacity, meeting the satellite-based service demand for domestic and regional markets, and using frequency resources and satellite orbits registered by Vietnam. VINASAT-2 and its sister VINASAT-1 will form a satellite system backing up together, minimise risks, enhance safety and stability in service provision, and strengthen the safety of national telecommunications networks.