Lockheed Martin (News - Alert) has registered a milestone in the company’s history with the successful launch of 100th and 101st commercial geo satellites into orbit, after a dual launch aboard an Ariane 5-ECA launch vehicle. The 100th and 101st commercial geo satellites are based on Lockheed Martin's A2100 geosynchronous satellite series.

Before the satellites start operations, they will undergo on-orbit checkout over the next few months. VINASAT-2 is expected to be handed over to VNPT in late June, as the second Lockheed Martin satellite built for VNPT.

The satellite will provide fixed satellite service to Vietnam and bordering nations. VINASAT-2 is equipped with 24 Ku-band channels offering uplink and downlink coverage, and will be located at 131.8 degrees east longitude. VINASAT-2 has a 15-year design life with further fuel reserves to maximize maneuver life.

JCSAT-13 will be submitted to SKY Perfect JSAT (News - Alert) in mid July. JCSAT-13 is equipped with an all Ku-band payload comprising 44 high-power communication channels with uplink and downlink coverage over Japan, Indonesia, Middle and Near East, Southwest Asia and Oceania.

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company with its headquarters in Bethesda, MD. The company is mainly is involved in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

“This launch marks a historic company milestone. Delivery of our 100th and 101st commercial geostationary satellites exemplifies the dedication of the men and women, past and present, who continue to deliver affordable, high-quality advanced communications systems to meet our customers' mission needs,” said Kevin Bilger, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems (News - Alert). “I salute all of our employees, supplier partners and customers who made this moment possible."

Lockheed Martin was recently in the news when it received $391 million in production orders from the U.S. Army for a new radar system that provides soldiers with enhanced 360-degree protection from rocket, mortar and artillery fire.