Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract by Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) of Vietnam to provide a turnkey telecommunications satellite system with operations slated to begin in the second quarter of 2008.

Designated VINASAT-1, the satellite system will be based on Lockheed Martin's award-winning A2100A spacecraft platform and represents the first satellite system ever procured by the nation of Vietnam. VINASAT-1, a C-/Ku-band hybrid satellite designed for a minimum service life of 15 years, will be located at orbital slot 132 degrees east.

Under the terms of the delivery-in-orbit contract signed May 12, 2006 in Hanoi, Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) will manage the project in its entirety, from satellite design and manufacturing to launch procurement arrangements, followed by final extensive in-orbit testing before customer acceptance.

The satellite system is expected to improve telecommunications in Vietnam by transmitting radio, television and telephone communications to all corners of the country. VINASAT-1 also will improve the nation's communication networks infrastructure by removing dependence on ground networks and allowing 100% of Vietnam's rural communities and hamlets to be equipped with telephones and televisions.

"VINASAT-1 will provide state-of-the-art technology that will help Vietnam enhance its role in modern world trade," said LMCSS President Ted Gavrilis. "As Vietnam continues to improve its investment and business environment, it will also enter the communications marketplace using a strong, reliable telecommunications network with VINASAT-1 as its anchor."

The Lockheed Martin A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series is designed to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs including Ka-band broadband and broadcast services, fixed satellite services in C-band and Ku-band, high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services using UHF, L-band, and S-band payloads. The A2100's modular design features a reduction in parts, simplified construction, increased on-orbit reliability and reduced weight and cost.

The A2100 spacecraft's modular and scaleable design accommodates a large range of communication payloads as demonstrated in the 29 spacecraft successfully flown to date. The "designed-in" modularity enables the A2100 spacecraft to support missions in addition to communication payloads. The A2100 design is currently being adapted for medium earth orbit (MEO) navigation missions and geostationary earth orbit (GEO)-based earth observing missions.

About VNPT Group

VNPT Group (www.vnpt.com.vn) of Vietnam is tasked with the exploration, consultation, design, installation and maintenance of telecommunications and information technology for the nation of Vietnam. VNPT has organized multiple major business ventures in primarily the posts, information technology and telecommunications sectors. By mobilizing all economic segments of the nation of Vietnam, VNPT will modernize the nation's technological infrastructure by implementing high-speed, high-capacity and high-quality telecommunications systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

Media Contacts: Dee Valleras, 215-497-4185; e-mail, dee.valleras@lmco.com

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin