VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) is preparing to launch the Vinasat-2 satellite in May 2012, one month before schedule.

VN to launch new satellite
VNPT seeking for capital to boost Vinasat-2 satellite project
According to VNPT, the detailed design of the second satellite was finalized on March 15. The foreign contractor began assembling the satellite on July 15. It will be tested in September and fully completed in May 2012. Vinasat-2 will be launched into orbit in next May.

VNPP says that the launching is postponed by one month due to the sluggishness in design and selection of contractor.

Another satellite will be launched together with Vietnam’s Vinasat-2 to save cost. It may be a satellite of the US, Europe or Japan. The launching ground will be still French Guiana in South America, where Vietnam’s first satellite was launched in April 2008.

VNPT invests around $290 to $350 million in the second satellite.

Last November, VNP borrowed VND1.09 trillion ($52 million) to invest in this project. The loan is equivalent to 20 percent of the total investment.

The lifespan of Vinasat-2 is 15 years.

PV