The successful launching of VINASAT-2 will contribute to boosting Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

(VOVworld) – Vietnam’s second telecoms satellite, VINASAT 2 has been launched from the Kourou launch pad in Guyana, South America. When the US hands over control of the satellite in July, Vietnam will officially operate, and manage it. Vinasat 2 will help the national socio-economic development more efficiently, due to its larger capacity and wider coverage.

First approved in late 2009, the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group, VNPT, has since invested US$280 million in Vinasat-2. Similar to the first satellite, Vinasat-2 was built by the U.S. aerospace firm, Lockheed Martin. The two satellites now provide coverage over Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and parts of Myanmar. This move not only marks an important step in the bid to turn Vietnam into a power house in information and communications technology, but will also save money spent on leasing foreign satellites from 10 to 15 million USD per year. Both satellites are based on the A2100 geosynchronous satellite that uses the most advanced technology available. With a capacity 20% larger than the first satellite, Vinasat 2 will have greater socio-economic influence. Because the two satellites are in close orbit with each other, people can use their existing satellite dishes and receive signals from both of them. Prime Minister Nguyen Dung addressed the launching ceremony ‘The project will help improve the country’s IT infrastructure and the quality of connections in remote areas for defense and when dealing with natural disasters. The successful launching of VINASAT 2 marks a step forwards to develop Vietnam into an ICT powerhouse.”

Phan Hoang Duc, VNPT’s Deputy General Director, said that VINASAT 1 and 2 would help greatly Vietnam’s efforts to develop its telecommunications as well as the sector’s development towards 2020. He affirms ‘The VINASAT 2 satellite will help us to reach out aim to enhance the capacity of our telecommunications infrastructure, and satisfy the domestic demand for capacity rental. The project also contributes to Vietnam’s improved position in the IT sector’.

The coastal city of Nha Trang (Photo: www.dantri.com.vn)

Having a coastline of 3,000 km, VN has identified its maritime economy as a spearhead economic sector and the launching of Vinansat 2 is part of the country’s strategy to develop its maritime economy by 2020. The satellite will provide precise and instant information for ship and boats at sea with positioning, and emergency aid, as well as the offshore oil and gas industry.

With a lifespan of about 15 years, VNPT hopes to recover its investment after 10 years and over the remaining 5 years make a profit. Ho Cong Lam, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Telecoms International, a subsidiary of VNPT reported that the company has already taken command of the technology that manages and controls the satellite. Lam said ‘At first, we will target the domestic market, then expand it to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia possibly as even joint ventures to ensure a high business efficiency rate’.

Lam said the satellite has already attracted both domestic and foreign clients, including current customers of Vinasat-1. The launch of Vinasat-2 is an important step further on the road to make Vietnam strong in information technology and telecommunications. The Vinasat-1 and Vinasat-2 projects are of great political and socio-economic significance, confirming Vietnam’s presence in space and promoting its image in the international arena.