A recent press release from Lockheed Martin confirms that VNPT of Vietnam has selected LM to construct Vietnam's first commercial telecommunications satellite, VINASAT-1. VINASAT-1 will be launched to the 132° E orbital slot around mid-2008. The contract for a delivery-in-orbit, turnkey system was signed in Hanoi on 12 May 2006.
I worked on the VINASAT project from early in its inception, supporting the Vietnamese team with the frequency coordination and radio-regulatory work necessary to allow them to obtain the international rights to the use of the 132° E orbital slot and the C- and Ku-band spectrum. It is great now to see this important project moving another step closer towards implementation.
VINASAT-1 will provide radio, TV, data and telephone communications to Vietnam and beyond, and is intended to play a major part in fostering economic development within Vietnam. I wish my friends in the VINASAT team, and all the people of Vietnam, great sucess with this important project.
Read the Lockheed Martin press release here: VNPT AWARDS LOCKHEED MARTIN CONTRACT TO DELIVER VIETNAM'S FIRST TURNKEY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE SYSTEM.
