VINASAT 2

Spacecraft nr:

Vietnamese spacecraft nr: 2

Launch data: Designation  38332 / 12023B Launch date  15 May 2012 - 22:13 UT Launch site  Ko, ELA-3 Launch vehicle  Ariane-5ECA (VA206) Mission  Government: Communication Geostationary orbit: Perigee / Apogee  35742 x 35776 km Eccentricity  4, 4E-04 Inclination  0.08 deg Period  1434.7 min

VINASAT-2 is moved into a large mobile container for its transfer from the Spaceport’s S1B clean room to the S5 facility. - Credit: Arianespace

Description:

• VINASAT-2 is owned by the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group. It weighed 2,969 kilograms (6,546 pounds) at launch and carries 24 Ku-band transponders; provide independence in satellite communications. Vinasat-2 will operate from 131.8 degrees east, next door to the Vinasat-1 spacecraft launched in April 2008. Vinasat-1 filled its capacity of 12 Ku- and eight C-band transponders more quickly than expected, causing the Vietnamese government to order a follow-on spacecraft.
• Vinasat 2 has a design life of at least 15 years. The craft is carrying additional fuel reserves to maximize its maneuvering longevity.

Mission details:

• Arianespace launched an Ariane 5ECA on May 15, 2012 placing in orbit two Lockheed Martin A2100 class satellites: JCSAT 13 for Sky Perfect JSAT, and Vinasat 2 for VNPT (Vietnam Posts and Telecom). JCSAT 13 has a Leros 1C apogee engine, while Vinasat 2 has the Japanese IHI BT-4.
• On May 23, 2012 JCSAT 13 was in a 35731 x 35772 km x 0.1 deg orbit drifting east over 125E; Vinasat-2 was in a 35716 x 35761 km x 0.1 deg orbit drifting east over 131E.
  The ESC-A upper stage was in a 264 x 35665 km x 1.7 deg geostationary transfer orbit.