The first earth observation satellite of Viet Nam was launched into orbit by Arianespace, that implemented successfully the launch of two Viet Nam telecommunications satellites: Vinasat 1 and 2, by VEGA rocket. VEGA rocket used in this launch is a new type of missile, developed by European Space Agency.
The natural resources, environment and natural disasters small monitoring satellite Project (VNREDSat-1 Project) is invested by Academy of Science and Technology of Viet Nam. VNREDSat-1 project is carried out with the French Government"s ODA (55.8 million euros) and capital of Viet Nam (64,820 million VND). The 120kg satellite will image at 2.5m in panchromatic mode and 10 m in multi-spectral mode (4 bands) with a 17.5km swath. The 1200 mm x 600 mm x 600 mm satellite has (designed) life of 5 years.
After being launched into space, VNREDSat-1 will combine with the acquisition, storage and processing monitoring satellite images of Natural Resources and Environment Ministry into a complete system. The raw data and processed images will be transmitted to Operating and Redundant Storage Center of the Academy of Science and Technology of Viet Nam. This unit will provide optical satellite images with high resolution to meet the domestic demands of using these images to monitor natural resources, environment and natural disasters, contribute to the economic and social development, national defense, scientific research and training.
With VNREDSat-1, Viet Nam can actively monitor changes in natural disasters, make land using maps for the investigation and inventory of forest resources, agricultural land to optimise the management of nature resources, etc. VNREDSat-1 project is the strategic direction of the Government in creating a landmark in the high-tech sector in general and satellite technology in particular, paving the way for Viet Nam to the space industry in the near future.
