Lockheed Martin will develop the VINASAT-2 satellite for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT).

The US-based defence giant will be responsible for satellite design and manufacturing, launch procurement and final in-orbit testing before being accepted by VNPT.

VINASAT-2, based on the Lockheed’s A2100 spacecraft platform, will be located at 131.8°E longitude and have a minimum service life of 15 years.

The geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite will feature 24 Ku-band fixed high-power communication channels serving Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos.

The spacecraft will be due for in-orbit delivery in the second quarter of 2012.