Vietnam to manufacture small satellites

Vietnam plans to manufacture small satellites after 2010, chiefly to monitor natural resources and the environment for disaster prevention. The Vietnam Science and Technology Institute has submitted a plan to make two such satellites, each weighing around 100 kg. with a lifespan of five years. Total cost for the production of the first satellite is estimated at $20 million. Vietnam had also planned to launch its first communication satellite this year, at an estimated cost of $270 millin, but that has been delayed because it has not yet concluded negotiations with relvant countries over its orbit location, namely the U.S., France, Japan and Russia. (Xinhua Jan. 26).