Arianespace will launch VNREDSat-1A in the second quarter of 2013 on the company’s second Vega launcher, Verta 1, from the Guiana Space Center for the European Space Agency (ESA). VNREDSat-1A will then be injected into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).

   VNREDSat-1A represents Arianespace’s first contract of 2013. The 120-kg Astrium-built satellite aims to supply Vietnam with a complete satellite system and ground receiving facilities.

   “We are especially proud of once again being able to work with Vietnam, following the successful launches of Vinasat-1 and -2 communications satellites,” Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said in a statement. “With this contract, the fourth we signed for Vega, Arianespace clearly shows that it can offer customers a launch service perfectly adapted to this type of mission.”