Telesat Canada has signed a contract to aid in the launch of Vietnam’s first telecommunications satellite, according to Vietnamese state news service TTXVN.

Under the contract, signed in Ottawa March 16 with state-owned Post and Telecommunication Group, Telesat will provide technical consulting and supervise the manufacturing and installation process for Vinasat-1. The satellite is being built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems and is scheduled to be placed into orbit in the second quarter of 2008 by Arianespace.

VinaSat-1 will carry 20 C- and Ku-band transponders to radio, television and telephone transmission services for Vietnam and the Asia Pacific region.

Telesat spokeswoman Marilynn Wright declined to comment on the contract but said the company is expected to issue a statement this week.