Vietnam intends to launch its own satellite in late 2005

Vietnam plans to launch a communication satellite of its own at the end of 2005, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Technology Do Trung Ta stated.

According to him, the first Vietnamese communication satellite Vinasat, after it is put in a geo-stationary orbit at the height of 36,000 kilometres, will be placed at a point over the longitude 132 degrees East. It will be designed for communication, and radio and TV broadcasting, educational and rescue activity.

Do Trung Ta said that the international tenders for providing the satellite and rendering the services linked with its launching will be held at the end of November. About ten groups of contractors from the USA, Russia, Japan and the European countries have already got registered for the participation.