Street in Rangoon, Myanmar. Photo: Wikimedia.

Government officials in Myanmar intend to launch a new satellite, MyanmarSat 2, in June 2019, The Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Oct. 21. The country’s government will pay approximately $155.7 million over 10 installments for the satellite.

MyanmarSat 2 will carry six C-band and six Ku-band transponders, and will be jointly owned with an undisclosed partner while MyanmarSat 1 completes its existing lease agreement. According to Vice President U Myint Swe, Myanmar intends to pursue three avenues to establish a state-owned satellite system: leasing satellite transponders from foreign countries (a condosat), joint ownership, and total ownership.

Swe, however, is urging government ministries currently using MyanmarSat 1 to switch over to MyanmarSat 2 after their contracts with foreign firms expire.