Laos’ government has reportedly secured a US$960m deal with a Chinese investor to launch a commercial satellite by 2015.
Under a deal secured last week, the project will be 70% funded by the undisclosed investor and 30% funded by the Laos government,…
Laos’ government has reportedly secured a US$960m deal with a Chinese investor to launch a commercial satellite by 2015.
Under a deal secured last week, the project will be 70% funded by the undisclosed investor and 30% funded by the Laos government, reported local state-owned publication Vientiane Times.
Citing Hiem Phommachanh, the country’s minister of post and telecoms, the report explained how the joint venture aims to launch a 36-transponder DTH satellite to 126E, an orbital slot that has reportedly already been coordinated for the project.
A representative of the International Telecommunication Union, which processes orbital slot coordination requests, was unable to comment before the press deadline. The Laos government could not be reached for comment.
The Vientiane Times also quoted Hiem stating that, before the deal with China was reached, Laos had come close to similar joint venture agreements with US investors and, before that, with parties in Thailand. However, these partnerships allegedly collapsed because of financial issues.
In addition, the publication quoted Somlith Phouthonsy, director general of the Laos government’s telecoms department, saying the country hopes to secure a loan with the Export-Import Bank of China next month for a separate satellite project.
Under a US$258m agreement reportedly reached with a Chinese company last December, this project will aim to launch a 22 transponder DTH and telecoms satellite. Further details were not reported.
Back in February 2010, China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), and China Asia-Pacific Mobile Communications Satellite Company (APMT), announced an agreement with Laos to build a satellite, to be called LAOSAT-1.
At the time, CGWIC, which currently lists this satellite on its website as under construction, said the spacecraft will be manufactured on the Dongfanghong-4 (DFH-4) platform developed by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It said the satellite will be launched by an LM-3B launch vehicle.
CGWIC, which was unable to comment before the press deadline, has been securing similar contracts with other emerging markets in recent years, as China seeks to expand its international presence.
As well as Laos, China has secured DFH-4 satellite deals with Bolivia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Venezuela.
