Vinasat-2 can operate for up to 21 years

VNPT has officially taken over the Vinasat-2 satellite and is expected to start commercial exploitation in July.

>>>Vinasat-2 has entered the right orbit 131.8 East

Production contractor Lockheed Martin has just officially handed over Vinasat-2 to Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT). Currently, International Telecommunication Company (VTI) is responsible for managing and operating this satellite.

In the next 3 months, Lockheed Martin continues to send 2 direct support experts to help VNPT operate Vinasat-2. After that time, if there is any problem, the 24/7 customer support center of this contractor continues to rescue the satellite.

Previously, after successfully launching the 131.8-degree geostationary orbit on the morning of May 16 (Vietnam time), Vinasat-2 was tested for technical parameters. When the system is stable, Lockheed Martin sends RF signals to check the channel, ensures good signal transmission, and then tests the compatibility between the satellite station and the ground station.

Lookheed Martin General Manager, Mr. Joe Ricker handed over
Vinasat-2 ownership certificate for VNPT. (Photo: VNPT)

The original satellite control station was ASOC (USA) with the support of Que Duong station (Vietnam). After the transfer process, on June 26, Que Duong became the main operating station of Vinasat-2.

"The quality test results exceed reliability, reaching 0.87 compared with 0.82 levels set. The" living "time of the satellite is 16 to 21.3 years compared to the design of 15 years" , he said. Hoang Minh Thong, Director of Project Management Board of VNPT projects said.

General Manager of Lockheed Martin, Mr. Joe Ricker, said that Vinasat-2 satellite system can be fully exploited commercially. All devices are turned on, satellites are ready. According to him, backup kits and excess fuel will help prolong the "life" of Vinasat-2.

After taking over Vinasat-2, in July, VNPT will provide services from this satellite. The payback period is about 10 years. Mr. Lam Quoc Cuong, Director of International Telecommunication Company VTI said that over the past time, he has worked with potential customers at home and abroad, receiving much attention from partners, but the official contract has to wait. After the satellite is officially handed over.

According to Mr. Cuong, the capacity of Vinasat-1 is almost finished. Therefore, Vinasat-2 will go into business to meet the demand of expanding the coverage of customers who are using the first commercial satellite, as well as new exploitation partners. In addition, VNPT will reserve space to transmit information to all remote areas, islands and drilling sites across the country .

Regarding the loan of US $ 125.9 million for Vinasat-2 recently approved by the US President, Mr. Hoang Minh Thong said that this money was used to repay commercial loans to the satellite. This is a preferential loan, not binding, the US government supports projects produced by the US, but the procedure is long due to the investigation and evaluation of enterprises.

Joe Ricker added that about a month later, the money will go to VNPT to pay for commercial loans previously invested in the satellite.

Together with Vinasat-1 successfully launched in 2008, Vinasat-2 creates a satellite system with capacity for capacity redundancy, minimizing risks, contributing to increasing the stability in the process of providing services. According to Mr. Thong, although the profit from Vinasat-2 may not be high, the satellites ensure national safety. For example, in 2006, the earthquake in Taiwan caused the entire cable section.

optical, cable transmission is broken. At that time, if there is no satellite support, the damage has reached up to 10 billion USD.