PicoDragon is launched successfully into space on November 19, 2013. (Photo: kynguyenso.plo.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam, a newcomer inthe space odyssey, began small satellite manufacturing in 2007 and reaped certain achievement in this regard.
Pham Anh Tuan, Director General of the VietnamNational Space Centre (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology,said aware of its limited economic and science-technology capability, Vietnamhas chosen to focus on small satellite manufacturing and imagery.
After years of study and manufacturing, and with thesupport of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Vietnamese engineerssuccessfully made a micro satellite.
The 1kg PicoDragon, the first home-made satellite,was launched successfully into space on November 19, 2013, and remained inorbit for three months.
Later, 36engineers of the VNSC were sent to five leading universities of Japan for spacetechnology courses. Under the instruction of Japanese professors, they designedand manufactured another satellite.
The 50kg MicroDragon was launched on an Epsilon 4rocket from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Japan’s Kagoshima prefecture, onJanuary 18, 2019. It also successfully transmitted signals to earth.
Weighing MicroDragon (Photo: JAXA)
Two years later, NanoDragon, a nano-layer cubesatweighing about four kilograms made up of multiple small modules, wassent into space.
NanoDragon’s research, design, and integration wasdone completely in Vietnam by VNSC scientists. It seeks to demonstratemicro-satellite beam technology to receive automatic identification system(AIS) signals to monitor activities at sea.
Vietnam's strategy for the development and application of space science and technology by 2030 has set a major goal of mastering the technology of making small satellites towards self-producing such satellites.
To realise such goal, Tuan stressed the importantrole of the Prime Minister in directing and coordinating ministries and agenciesin this field.
Special management mechanisms are needed tofacilitate space technology projects, he said, adding that the domestic manufacturing ofsatellites also requires long-term investment.
Tuan suggested Vietnam soon join the UN treaties onthe peaceful uses of outer space, and work to protect national interests in space,together with land, air, sea and cyber.
Bui Trong Tuyen, Director of the Space TechnologyInstitute, stressed that to develop space technology, Vietnam needs todiversify resources, suggesting the State offer tax incentives to encouragebusinesses to join the field./.
Scientists of the Space Technology Institute under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and other Vietnamese experts have successfully restored the system control servers and enabled VNREDSat-1, Vietnam’s first remote sensing satellite, to take pictures again from April 4, according to the academy.
Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang has visited a facility of Thales Group in Cannes which develops technology solutions for satellite, aerospace, defence, transportation and security markets.
Potential plans and roadmaps were proposed to build national capacity in Earth observation using small satellite systems during a seminar held by the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) in Hanoi on June 30.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
PicoDragon is launched successfully into space on November 19, 2013. (Photo: kynguyenso.plo.vn) 
Weighing MicroDragon (Photo: JAXA) 
