Arianespace announced Tuesday it will launch the VINASAT-1 satellite for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Corp. in 2008. VINASAT-1 will be built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems. The first Vietnamese telecommunications satellite, VINASAT-1 will be launched on an Ariane 5 rocket during the first half of 2008 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
VINASAT-1 is the 275th contract won by Arianespace since the company's founding in March 1980 and the 53rd launch for a satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region. VINASAT-1 is the 39th satellite platform built by Lockheed Martin to be launched by Arianespace.
The turnkey VINASAT-1 satellite system will be built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems at its plant in Newtown, Pa., using the A2100 platform.
Weighing about 2,600 kilograms (5,720 pounds) at launch, it will be positioned at 132 degrees east longitude, and will offer a design life exceeding 15 years.
Fitted with 20 C- and Ku-band transponders, VINASAT-1 will provide radio, television and telephone transmission services for all of Vietnam and the Asia Pacific region from its geostationary orbit.
