VINASAT-2, Vietnam's second communications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) of Vietnam, was successfully launched today from Kourou, French Guiana.
The 36-minute process of Ariane 5 and the satellites successfully finished at 5.49am when Vinasat-2 split from the missile and moved to its position – 131.8o East on the orbit. Earlier, supported by two auxiliary missiles, Ariane 5 left the earth at 5.13am.
Within 30 seconds, two auxiliary missiles burnt more than 1,000 tons of fuel at the temperature of 3,000oC. After that, the two missiles separated from the major missile. Ariane 5 moved to the west and flew faster into the orbit.
(Photo: Arianespace)
At 5.16am, Ariane 5 went through the atmosphere and crossed the Atlantic Ocean within 20 minutes. In the western bank of Africa, JCSAT-13 split from the missile. Adriane 5 continued bringing Vinasat-2 to its position.
At 5.49am, Vinasat-2 split from the missile to its position. The launching was announced to be a success.
Watching the launch at the headquarters of the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) in Hanoi, PM Nguyen Tan Dung confirmed that the successful launching of Vinasat-2 is a significant event that marked a great move of Vietnam’s telecom industry.
VINASAT 2 is outfitted with Ku band transmission beams to blanket Southeast Asia and adjacent areas. The satellite weighs approximately 3 tonnes and has a lifespan of 15 years. The satellite will offer direct television broadcasting, telecommunications and Internet services.
Together with VINASAT 1, VINASAT 2 will help ensure the safe and stable provision of services, intensify the safety of the national telecommunication network, and expand the provision of telecom, audio-visual and internet services across the country. It aims to support national socio-economic development, natural disaster mitigation, and national defence and security.
Following the success of the VINASAT 1 project in 2008, the Vietnam Post and Telecommunication Group (VNPT) was trusted to develop the VINASAT 2 project at a total cost of US$260-280 million.