TMCnet News
Vietnam's 2nd satellite successfully launched into orbit: mediaHANOI, May 15, 2012 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Vietnam's second satellite, the VINASAT-2, roared off the launch pad aboard an Ariane 5 rocket at 22:13 GMT Tuesday from Guiana Space Center at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, Vietnamese state-run news agency reported Wednesday. Thirty-five minutes after being launched, the satellite was separated from the rocket and went into orbit, the state-run Vietnam News Agency reported. Witnessing the launching ceremony broadcast live at the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the successful launch of VINASAT-2 is an important step to build Vietnam stronger in the field of information technology, according to the report. Together with VINASAT-1 which launched in 2008, 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 will also support national socio-economic development, natural disaster mitigation, and national defense and security, according to VNPT, which reported that currently about 90 percent of the VINASAT-1's capacity has been tapped. With a total investment of 300 million U.S. dollars, VINASAT-2, constructed by US-based Lockheed Martin, is outfitted with Ku-band transmission beams capable of blanketing Southeast Asia and adjacent areas. The satellite weighs approximately 3 tons and has a lifespan of 15 years, offering direct television broadcasting, telecommunications and Internet services, according to Vietnam News Agency. |