VINASAT-1 near orbit 132 degrees East

After its launch on April 19, VINASAT-1, the first telecommunications satellite of Vietnam, has now been moved form the transferring to the geostatic orbit which is some 36,000km from the earth. Lockheed Martin reported that on April 28, VINASAT-1 was brought to the orbit of 131 degrees East, which is next to the set orbit of 132 degrees East.

Later on, experts of Lockheed Martin would be doing system tests during 3 weeks to make sure that the satellite would be running smoothly before it is transferred to VNPT for its own operation and management.

It is expected that Vinasat-1 will be put into its right orbit on May 19 or 20, and will be officially transferred to VNPT on May 24, 2008, allowing the introduction of services in June.