Vinasat-1

Vinasat-1 is the first Vietnamese satellite to be placed in orbit. It was launched at 22:17 GMT on 18 April 2008, by an Ariane 5ECA rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou. The launch was conducted by the European organisation Arianespace. VINASAT is the national satellite program of Vietnam. The project aims to bring independence in satellite communications for Vietnam, besides other benefits such as enhancing national security, opening new economic opportunities, etc.

Vinasat-1
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorVNPT
COSPAR ID2008-018A
SATCAT no.32767
Mission duration15 years
Spacecraft properties
BusA2100A
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
Launch mass2,637 kilograms (5,814 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date18 April 2008, 22:17 (2008-04-18UTC22:17Z) UTC[1]
RocketAriane 5ECA V182
Launch siteKourou ELA-3
ContractorArianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGeostationary
Longitude132° east
Perigee altitude35,782 kilometres (22,234 mi)
Apogee altitude35,803 kilometres (22,247 mi)
Inclination0.02 degrees
Period23.93 hours
Epoch29 October 2013, 15:56:24 UTC[2]
 

Vietnam hopes for some economic benefits from the telecommunications links that the satellite will provide. It is expected that the satellite will save several million dollars per year in fees presently paid for leasing of transponders on satellites from other countries. Vietnam hopes for radio, television, and telephone access in all corners of the country.[3]

Originally planned for 2005, the launch of Vinasat-1 was delayed to 18 April 2008, owing to difficulties in completing the frequency coordination procedures under the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The project of providing the operations for the satellite was entirely managed by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS). This was due to a delivery-in-orbit contract signed in Hanoi on May 12, 2006.[4]

The Lockheed Martin A2100 satellite has 12 Ku band transponders and 8 C band transponders.

See also

References

  1. McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  2. "VINASAT 1 Satellite details 2008-018A NORAD 32767". N2YO. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  3. Martyn William.Vietnam Launches Its First Satellite. IDG News Service
  4. "VINASAT 1". space.skyrocket.de. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
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