Posted: Sat, May 13, 2006, 8:55 AM ET (1255 GMT)
Lockheed Martin will build Vietnam's first communications satellite under a contract announced Friday. Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) ordered the VINASAT-1 satellite from Lockheed Martin under a turnkey delivery-in-orbit contract, under which Lockheed will manage the satellite manufacturing as well as launch procurement and in-orbit testing. VINASAT-1 is an A2100A-model spacecraft that will carry a mix of C- and Ku-band transponders, and will operate at 132 degrees east starting in 2008. VNPT plans to use the satellite to improve radio, television, and telephone services throughout the country, particularly in rural areas. Lockheed declined to disclose terms of the deal, although media valued the contract at $168 million.

Related Links:

•  Reuters article
•  AP article
•  AFP article
•  Lockheed Martin press release