BEIJING, Aug. 10 (China Space News) — China Asia-Pacific Mobile Telecommunications Satellite Co., Ltd. (China APMT), a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), recently completed a preliminary design review for the LaoSat-1 satellite.

A delegation from Laos and experts from China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, China Academy of Space Technology, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, and other related units attended the review panel.

The customers from Laos and Chinese experts all spoke highly of CASC's work on the satellite, and came to an agreement on the satellite system. Successful completion of the preliminary design review allows China APMT to proceed to the critical design review.

The LaoSat-1 satellite program started on December 1, 2012, marking China's first contract for satellite manufacturing and launch services for an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) country.

The satellite is expected to be launched in 2015 to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.