After depending on foreign satellite services for a long time, Vietnam is gradually developing its own national capabilities in space technologies. In an interview with Knowledge and Life, Professor Pham Anh Tuan, the founding general director of the Vietnamese Space Center, shared his experience on this journey.
The development of satellite technology in Vietnam began in 2006 with the implementation of its space strategy, which continued until 2020. This process clearly shows progress from service exploitation and technology access to technology transfer, gradually leading to autonomy in several fields.
Initially, Vietnam mainly accessed satellite technology using well-established systems and services abroad to meet essential needs in communication, broadcasting, television, and digital infrastructure. The focus was not only on accessing services but also on gaining experience in management, operation, and organization.
The next step involves turning towards Earth observation and gradually getting more involved in the technological chain. Vietnam is not only using data but also building a team, mastering satellite design, integration, testing, and operation processes, as well as developing associated ground systems.
Currently, Vietnam has reached a crucial stage with relatively synchronized technical infrastructure, a well-trained team of engineers, and experience in small satellite technology that Vietnam has designed, manufactured, and operated directly. This progress signifies Vietnam’s shift from solely using advanced space technology from other countries to systematically accumulating its own indigenous capabilities.
In 2018, VNREDSat-1 marked a significant turning point for Vietnam in using Earth observation data for socio-economic development. This project provided practical experience in system operation, imagery data processing, and satellite data integration for public management needs.
Another important achievement was PicoDragon in 2018, demonstrating that Vietnamese engineers could directly participate in developing a small satellite. In 2019, MicroDragon advanced training and access to high-level technical processes, helping Vietnam enhance its system design capacities according to international standards and connect satellite technology to practical applications.
NanoDragon in 2021 showcased the dynamism of Vietnamese teams in satellite design, manufacturing, integration, and operational preparation. LOTUSat-1 in 2024 represents a significant technological advancement. The strategic significance of these satellites lies in their contribution to Vietnam’s technological and economic development.
In terms of human resource development, LOTUSat-1 has played a crucial role in providing Vietnamese engineers with access to a more complex radar satellite mission, allowing them to gain practical experience for future high-tech missions.
The gradual mastery of the process is essential, but collaboration remains necessary to progress further.
The current level of technological localization in Vietnamese satellite projects reflects significant progress, but full self-sufficiency in satellite technology has not yet been achieved. Vietnam has moved beyond the initial learning phase to accumulating substantial capabilities in various key areas.
In advanced technological fields, international cooperation is crucial for technology transfer. This includes satellite payloads, strategic components, industrial supply chains, launch services, space insurance, and components requiring specialized industrial skills and experience.
Vietnam is currently transitioning from receiving and learning new technologies to gradually mastering and selectively acquiring them. This crucial phase requires a targeted approach, adherence to an appropriate roadmap, and significant skills enhancement.
The article’s content has been sourced from https://khoahocdoisong.vn/cong-nghe-ve-tinh-viet-nam-tu-thue-cong-nghe-toi-tich-luy-nang-luc-noi-sinh-post2149096591.html.
