Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, has announced in Singapore that Arianespace has contracted with Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) to launch the VINASAT-2 satellite for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) in the second quarter of 2012. VINASAT-2 will be built by LMCSS.

The Vietnamese telecommunications satellite, VINASAT-2 will be launched on an Ariane 5 or a Soyuz launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

VINASAT-2 continues the successful cooperation between Lockheed Martin, VNPT and Arianespace that culminated in the launch of VINASAT-1 in 2008. 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.

The VINASAT-2 satellite system will be built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, using the A2100 platform. Weighing approximately 2,970kg at launch, it will be positioned at 131.8 degrees East Longitude, and will offer a design life exceeding 15 years.

Fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders, VINASAT-2 will provide radio, television and telephone transmission services for all of Vietnam and certain parts of the Asia Pacific region from its geostationary orbit.

"Arianespace and LMCSS make a great team," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace CEO. "We are pleased to be able to combine our excellent launch service and solutions with LMCSS's manufacturing prowess. Needless to say, we are thrilled that Vietnam has entrusted Arianespace with yet another satellite. VINASAT-2 is on track to provide vital telecommunications services throughout Southeast Asia."

Joe Rickers, President of Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems said: "We are very pleased to be working with the Arianespace team once again and are confident that the experience and expertise that Arianespace provides will result in a successful launch for our customer, VNPT."