Vinasat-1
| Mission type | Communications |
|---|---|
| Operator | VNPT |
| COSPAR ID | 2008-018A |
| SATCAT no. | 32767 |
| Mission duration | 15 years |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | A2100A |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Launch mass | 2,637 kilograms (5,814 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 18 April 2008, 22:17 UTC[1] |
| Rocket | Ariane 5ECA V182 |
| Launch site | Kourou ELA-3 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Geostationary |
| Longitude | 132° east |
| Perigee altitude | 35,782 kilometres (22,234 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 35,803 kilometres (22,247 mi) |
| Inclination | 0.02 degrees |
| Period | 23.93 hours |
| Epoch | 29 October 2013, 15:56:24 UTC[2] |
Vinasat-1 is the first Vietnamese satellite to be placed in orbit. It was launched at 22:17 GMT on 18 April 2008, by an Ariane 5ECA rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou. The launch was conducted by the European organisation Arianespace. VINASAT is the national satellite program of Vietnam. The project aims to bring independence in satellite communications for Vietnam, besides other benefits such as enhancing national security, opening new economic opportunities, etc.
Vietnam hopes for some economic benefits from the telecommunications links that the satellite will provide. It is expected that the satellite will save several million dollars per year in fees presently paid for leasing of transponders on satellites from other countries.[3]
Originally planned for 2005, the launch of Vinasat-1 was delayed to 18 April 2008, owing to difficulties in completing the frequency coordination procedures under the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The Lockheed Martin A2100 satellite has 12 Ku band transponders and 8 C band transponders.
References
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ "VINASAT 1 Satellite details 2008-018A NORAD 32767". N2YO. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ Martyn William.Vietnam Launches Its First Satellite. IDG News Service
External links
- VINASAT:Thanh Nien News Vietnam’s first satellite launch delayed till 2008
- "Dedicated satellite for Vietnam". BBC News. 2008-04-19. Retrieved 2008-04-24.
- Vinasat 1 Satellite Vinasat 1 Launch Video.