Complete preparation for Vinasat - 1 to leave the launch pad

The final stages are being completed by Vietnam and the US contractor to launch the VINASAT-1 satellite into orbit expected on March 28, 2008. Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Deputy Director of Satellite Information Center, International Telecommunication Company (VTI), belonging to Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), discussed with Tien Phong about this important stage.

Mr. Hung said:

VINASAT-1 is expected to be launched into orbit on March 28, 2008. After that, Lockheed Martin (USA) - the winning bidder providing satellite - will conduct satellite test on orbit within 1 month.

Thus, it is expected that on April 27, 2008, the satellite will be officially handed over to VNPT to go into the stage of commercial exploitation. Currently, Lockheed Martin is producing this satellite at its factory located in Pennsylvania, Newtown, USA.

There are many modules produced in many different locations such as electric modules, solar modules ., and then they will be put together. It has reached 60-70% of the progress. There is a detailed route for production. 1 month before the launch, Lockheed Martin would take the satellite to the launch yard at Cape Kourou in the Central American country of French-Guiana.

On the Vietnamese side, VNPT is currently implementing human resource training and building apparatus for operation and sales. Regarding technical manpower, VNPT contracted with Lockheed Martin to conduct 7 training courses.

There are currently 2 courses implemented from October 12, 2007 at the Control Center of Lockheed Martin in the US, including 15 people. The remaining 5 courses will be deployed at the Control Center of Vietnam.

The VINASAT-1 satellite operation team will consist of about 100 people.

VINASAT - 1 satellite model (Photo: TienPhong)

How can you describe the first satellite in Vietnam, sir?

VINASAT-1 is a trade name. This satellite will be put on an orbit by a rocket. It will be launched with a satellite of the director of another company. Lockheed Martin hired the service of AriameSpace (Europe) and used Ariane 5 rocket.

VINASAT-1 has a dry mass of about 1.2 tons. After pumping fuel it weighs about 2 tons. Fuel pumped in will help VINASAT-1 be able to operate for 15-20 years. Regarding capacity, VINASAT-1 is at an average level.

There are two ground control stations, Que Duong satellite control station located in Son Dong, Ha Tay and control stations in Binh Duong. In particular, Que Duong station is the main station, Binh Duong station is a standby station in case the other station is damaged or maintained.

What benefits will people benefit after the satellite is launched?

Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung (Photo: TP)

Satellite is a mode of transmission, used for the main purpose is to serve units of the Government such as the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Defense, Television . After that to the domestic business units, mobile network companies, or selling to foreign companies as private hire channels.

Before we have to rent, now more proactive, saving foreign currency, in terms of security and defense is also more secure and proactive. Socially, the use of satellites has increased, not limited as before. People have greater access to communication services that lead to increased socio-economic life.

What services will VINASAT-1 provide?

All services so far Vietnam are available. The only difference is that we already have our own satellites and not rent as before. For example, private rental services for businesses, mobile broadcasting, distance learning, DTH television, conference television, private leased channels for mobile information, data transfer for banks, transmission line for remote phone and Internet service providers .

VINASAT-1 satellite launches up to meet the current and future usage needs.

The launch of VINASAT-1 satellite has repeatedly missed appointments. So is the production technology up to this point obsolete?

In contrast, due to being launched later, it is newer, more advanced technology, stronger capacity, ensuring stability and reliability, better technical indicators. Currently in Southeast Asia some countries have satellites such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines. Vietnam's VINASAT-1 compared to satellites of regional countries is not inferior.

How do you rate the position on the orbit that VINASAT-1 will be launched?

Space resources are limited. The position of 132 degrees East is the best position in the context that Vietnam can negotiate with countries that are members of the World Telecommunication Organization (ITU).

At the end of the 15-year period, how will the 'VINASAT-1' be treated?

After use, according to the ITU process, this satellite will be controlled to go into garbage orbit.

Thank you Sir!

My Hang