MicroDragon along with six Japanese satellites is lanched using an Epsilon-4 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Kagoshima prefecture (Photo: JAXA)
Tokyo (VNA) – MicroDragon, a made-in-Vietnamearth observation satellite, was launched into space at 9:50 am in Japan onJanuary 18 (local time).
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) carried outthe launch of MicroDragon along with six Japanese satellites using an Epsilon-4rocket from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Kagoshima Prefecture, some 1,000 kmaway from Tokyo.
The Vietnamese satellite was previously scheduled to enterspace on January 17 but had to wait a day later due to unfavourable weather.
MicroDragon will be separated from the rocket after about anhour and send back first signals in one or two days. The satellite’s operationis expected to become stable after one to three months in space.
The satellite was developed by 36 Vietnamese engineers fromthe Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC), who were sent to study spacetechnology in Japan’s top five universities, namely the University of Tokyo,Keio University, Hokkaido University, Tohoku University and Kyushu Institute ofTechnology. The group beganmanufacturing the satellite in 2013 and successfullycompleted and tested it in 2017.
MicroDragon, measuring 50x50x50 cm and weighing 50kilograms, is designed to monitor the quality of water in coastal areas, locatefishery resources, and observe changes in the ocean to assist the nation’saquaculture. Also, it will help exchange data with the Microsatellite communityin the world to enhance capacity in response to climate change and naturaldisasters.
Previously, VNSC engineers successfully made a satellitenamed PicoDragon (10x10x11.35 cm, 1 kg), which was launched into orbit in 2013.
As scheduled, after MicroDragon, Vietnam willmake LOTUSat-1 and LOTUSat-2 satellites with advanced radar technology, eachweighing 600kg and measuring 1.5×1.5×3 m with a 5-year lifetime in orbit.-VNA
Vietnam is working to develop its own earth observation satellite, which will help the country manage natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, a conference heard on October 18.
MicroDragon, a made-in-Vietnam earth observation satellite, will be launched into space in Japan on January 17, 2019, according to the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
MicroDragon, a made-in-Vietnam earth observation satellite, will be launched into orbit by an Epsilon-4 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture at 7:50 of January 17 (Hanoi time), the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) announced on January 9.
The made-in-Vietnam earth observation satellite MicroDragon will be launched into orbit by an Epsilon-4 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture at 7:50am on January 18 (Hanoi time), one day later than scheduled due to unfavourable weather.
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.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
The week features a rich lineup of activities, including a plenary conference on blockchain and AI development, thematic seminars on future technology trends and investment visions, applications of blockchain and AI in business, the Super Vietnam PitchFest, as well as forums for blockchain and AI.
According to the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on making breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, this is considered a decisive factor in the development of nations. It is seen as a prerequisite and the best opportunity for Vietnam to become prosperous and powerful in the new era of the nation’s rise.
Vietnam’s demographic advantage, including a youthful population of 100 million in a “golden age”, further bolsters its ambitions. Its dynamic workforce, with a natural inclination toward science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), is a key asset in attracting private investment to innovation-driven sectors.
MicroDragon along with six Japanese satellites is lanched using an Epsilon-4 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Kagoshima prefecture (Photo: JAXA) 
