VNPT, the project’s investor, plans to hold a press conference on the launching on May 9.

The Vinasat-2 satellite project is estimated to cost around USD300 million, and was approved by the PM in 2009.

The technology was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the US aerospace giant, who also constructed Vinasat-1.

The Vinasat-2 satellite is designed to have a life span of around 15 years, and will serve Southeast Asian region and the surrounding areas.

The satellite itself is model Lockheed Martin A2100, the same as Vietnam’s first telecommunications satellite, Vinasat 1.

The Vinasat 1 was launched in early 2008, and is operating at about 80% capacity. It is expected to operate at full capacity this year.

If launched on schedule, Vinasat 2 will enable VNPT to retain rights to the 131.8 degrees east orbital position. It will be equipped with 24 Ku-band transponders, a larger capacity than Vinasat 1, which carries 12 Ku-band and eight extended C-band transponders.