Vietnam launches its first satellite Vinasat-1

Vietnam launches its first satellite Vinasat-1

Vietnam has joined the growing list of countries which have now launched their own satellite in the space.

The country launched the Vinasat-1 which was carried aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the European spaceport in French Guiana.

Doan Hop Le, Vietnam’s minister of Information and Communication spoke about this achievement: “With transmission capacity equivalent to 10,000 voice, Internet and data channels, or 120 TV channels, Vinasat-1 will help Vietnam bring telecommunications, Internet and television services to all isolated, mountainous and island areas where other means of transmission is not feasible.”

He added: “Successfully launching the first satellite is an event of great political, technical and socioeconomic significance and will help raise the image of Vietnam in the international arena. This is a memorable milestone for Vietnam in its development and integration into the world economy.”

This satellite was built by Lockheed Martin and is expected to function for around 15 years.