Laos to launch first satellite in 2015

VIENTIANE — Chinese contractors will launch Laos' first satellite next year, state media reported on Tuesday. 

China Asia-Pacific Mobile Telecommunications Satellite Company and another unnamed Chinese contractor have started production on the satellite, the Vientiane Times said.
It will be launched into an orbital slot of 128.5 degrees, the newspaper reported. Such slots are normally allocated by the International Telecommunications Union.
"Forty-two young Lao officials have just completed three months of initial training on satellite communications in preparation for the satellite's operation," said the government mouthpiece.
Laos signed a $250-million agreement in 2011 with the two Chinese contractors to build and launch the satellite, using a Chinese loan.
The satellite will relay data for television and telephone services.
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