VINASAT to space: Vietnam enters into space

VINASAT came to space, added a new country to enter the space aviation market . Mr. Richard Bowles - Southeast Asia Regional Director, Arianespace Singapore commented on the launch of VINASAT satellite by Vietnam.

VietNamNet correspondent exchanged via email with Mr. Richard Bowles - South East Asia Regional Director, Arianespace Singapore, around the start of Vietnam in launching VINASAT telecom satellite in April.

- What is the need to use satellites in the current socio-economic sectors across the globe? Why do we need more and more satellites?

According to Richard Bowles - Director of Southeast Asia, Arianespace Singapore, VINASAT is having a real opportunity .

- Richard Bowles - Southeast Asia Regional Director, Arianespace Singapore: Take television (TV) as an example. Today, TV is a means to educate people. Like myself, I love watching distance education programs broadcast in my country.

A satellite gives people the ability to keep track of all activities happening across the country equally. Therefore, children in rural areas also enjoy the same services as children in big cities.

In general, education and communication guide the way of economic development. No broadcasting system can match satellite radio. The emergence of high-tech TVs has increased the demand for TV applications.

Besides, today there are many smaller satellites to meet the needs of users when they realize some difficult problems arising from the costs of large satellites. With a smaller satellite, it's easy to retrofit a second one and still be backed by support services.

- In April, Vietnam VINASAT will be launched with Arianespace boosters. How will VINASAT play a role for Vietnam?

- In practical terms, this will be a spectacular telecom development for Vietnam. It allows Vietnam to enter the regional telecommunications market. Moreover, it will help Vietnam grow and understand high-tech techniques.

The satellites have an unparalleled ability to transmit signals to large areas. Vietnam is not a small country, and telecommunications satellites will be an effective means of covering information across the entire territory.

- Could you please tell us more about the boosters that Arianespace owns and about boosters that will be on duty in the next launch.

VINASAT-1 satellite has been successfully transported to the Guiana International Space Center (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana on Friday, March 7 and is currently being final tested before installation to the rocket. Ariane 5 ECA to launch into space.This launch, VINASAT 1 also has a companion, Star One C2 satellite of Star One telecom company - Brazil, made by Thales Alenia Space.

VINASAT 1 satellite of Vietnam has a weight of 2.7 tons, 4m high.

Arianespace (France) was founded in 1980, becoming one of the first companies in the world to provide Services and Solutions for the rocket market.Since its founding, Arianespace has released about 250 satellites, with more than two thirds being commercial satellites.

- Arianespace has been operating for 27 years. The first launch of Ariane 1 was in December 1979. Up to now, we have captured 60% of the worldwide satellite launch market. A total of 254 satellites were launched into orbit by Arianespace.

Since December 2002, our launches have never failed. Our other rivals in the race to win VINASAT 1 launch rights have not achieved such results for a long time. I think that is the difference between Arianespace and competitors.

- After nearly 30 years of establishment since 1980, Arianespace has signed about 300 contracts to supply rocket equipment, and holds more than 60% of the geostationary satellite launch market. Which key has made the company's success?

- We do not see customers as a means of generating profit but rather, as partners are exploring our universe. Today, we can launch a communication satellite for Vietnam. Partners who work with us will become part of the human dream about reaching for the stars.

Besides, in this business, Vietnam has to pay 100% of the cost before flying, like buying an airplane. The difference is that the ticket to the universe worth millions of dollars. Of course, you don't want to pay for a company that can ruin your job. We are one of those who offer quite stable boosters market.

- What advice does Arianespace have for a country that has just started to join the aerospace industry like Vietnam?

- Because of the financial market conditions, many satellite operators are facing massive debts. Therefore, they are not eligible to replace the old satellites in orbit. This is an opportunity for new countries to join a constantly growing market and become the main player. That means there is a real opportunity for VINASAT.

- China is also a very successful country in the aerospace industry, with projects that bring people into space successfully. How do Western partners, especially Arianespace, assess the development of the aerospace industry in Asia?

- Most of the world's population is located in Asian countries, so it will grow into an important part of the global economy. Europe only plays a neutral role in big games that will surely happen among Asian countries. I think our neutrality will make us one of the attractive partners for smaller Asian countries.

China has had some success in aerospace technology and is planning to set foot on the Moon. Americans have set foot on the Moon 40 years ago, I think that shows that China has not been able to catch up.

- Thank you, Mr. Richard Bowles!

VINASAT is being tested at S5, Europe's Spaceport to prepare for launch by Airane 5 rocket - Arianespace (Photo: Arianespace)

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