Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) has awarded a contract to Arianespace to launch the Vinasat-2 satellite for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) in the second quarter of 2012, Arianespace announced June 15.
    Vinasat-2, which LMCSS was contracted to build using the A2100 platform in May, will be launched on an Ariane 5 or a Soyuz launch vehicle from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana and positioned at the 131.8 degrees East orbital slot. The satellite will be fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders to provide radio, television and telephone transmission services for all of Vietnam and certain parts of the Asia Pacific region.
    Vinasat-2 represents the 65th launch for a satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region. Vinasat-2 is the 44th satellite platform built by Lockheed Martin to be launched by Arianespace.
    Financial Details of the launch contract were not disclosed.