Myanmar to start project to launch earth observation satellite next year

Myanmar to start project to launch earth observation satellite next year
Published 14 May 2019
Nay Yaing, Zeyar Tun and Aung Min Thein

Officials from Japan's Hokkaido University and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University held a discussion to implement a project to launch an earth observation satellite (EOS) in coming 2019-2020 fiscal year, said Win Khant, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The information was disclosed during a press conference on the clarification of the ministry's activities in the third year of the government's term held in Nay Pyi Taw on May 13. 

"Hokkaido University and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University are collaborating in launching an EOS, the third stage of Myanmar satellite system. We expect that the project can be implemented in 2019-2020 fiscal year," said Win Khant.

In the first stage (Condosat) of Myanmar satellite system, a  five-year agreement was signed on May 27, 2016 to hire satellite channel 360 megahertz of MyanmarSat 1 Condosat from Intelsat Satellite Operator.

In the second stage, 864 megahertz of MyanmarSat 2 was hired from Intersat Satellite Operator for 15 years starting from November 2019.

Now, plans are underway to launch an EOS in the third stage.