If VINASAT does not release on time: The optimal trajectory will be withdrawn

As planned, by the second quarter of 2008, VINASAT satellite of Vietnam will be launched into orbit. Around this issue, the reporter had an interview with Prof. - TS. Tran Manh Tuan - Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Space Technology Institute (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology).

Mr. Tran Manh Tuan: VINASAT satellite should have been launched into orbit since 2005, however, in the second quarter of 2008, Vietnam launched this satellite into orbit. This delay stems from the negotiation of frequency coordination that has lasted for many years.

When developing feasibility report of VINASAT project, calculations show that if it is located at 132 ^o east coordinates, VINASAT satellite will cover the entire territory of Vietnam, countries in East - South Asia region and one Chinese territory, Japan.

When Vietnam registered the position of 132 o'clock in the east, it was already registered by the island nation of Tonga (although the country has no satellites), we still have to negotiate with them to coordinate the frequency, Avoid signal interference, and have finished negotiating.

This optimal trajectory will belong to Vietnam for 15 years. VINASAT operates on the condition that Vietnam's satellites must be launched into orbit in the second quarter of 2008. If for some reason, the satellite cannot be launched, the 132o-east position will be revoked. Hopefully there won't be any problems because contractors of VINASAT satellite and satellite satellites have long experience and a great international reputation in the space industry.

Question: In addition to the position of 132o east, in orbit, which position is suitable for launching the satellite of Vietnam?

Mr. Tran Manh Tuan: In 1996, the General Department of Post and Telecommunications registered eight orbit positions. But the optimal position is only one, depending on the binding conditions we want.

Q: So we have already done the registration of frequencies?

Mr. Tran Manh Tuan: When the feasibility report is approved, the registration procedures will be completed.

Q: Why don't countries have plans to launch satellites and they have quickly registered and we are too late?

Mr. Tran Manh Tuan: Some small countries do this to make room far away or to do business. However, the position of orbit is also limited, if only the place is kept without launching the satellite, after a specified time, the orbit position will be withdrawn as mentioned above. Compared to the original plan, VINASAT project took three years slowly. Since we have no experience, this delay is unavoidable.

Question: In the strategy "Research and development of aerospace technology to 2020", does it mention the use of orbit?

Mr. Tran Manh Tuan: The issue of using orbits is only a part of the legal framework problem using space. In my opinion the problem is that for a long time, the concept of the universe is too far away, do not think that the universe is a precious resource like land and sea, can be profitable if it is exploited by high technology. The fact that the Government of Vietnam approved the June 2006 strategy of Research and Application of Space Technology "is a milestone marking the change in awareness. Moreover, the way the Government directs VINASAT project shows the Government's determination in determining Vietnam's sovereignty in the universe. To protect that sovereignty, Vietnam needs to actively participate in the international bill on the use of aerospace for peaceful purposes. This, in the strategy mentioned.

- Thank you Sir!

Mr. Nguyen Khoa Son - Vice Chairman of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology:

We all know, in 2008 Vietnam will launch VINASAT telecom satellites to orbit, but the most optimal trajectory that we intend to use has already registered another country.Since they occupied orbit so we want to launch satellites there, we have to negotiate very complicatedly, even costly.This has shown the importance of legal frameworks in the use of aerospace.

As far as I know, the research and construction of legal corridors for Vietnam's space operations have only just begun.Moving forward, the Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology will assign the Institute of Space Technology to establish relationships with some countries, especially those in the field of aerospace technology development, to study legal documents. their work on the management of space operations, or issues related to aerospace application to propose to the State to develop relevant documents.Certainly this important work will be led by the Space Technology Research and Application Committee established by the Prime Minister in the coming time.