Vietnam developing space technology

The Outstanding Achievements of 2006-15 Period’s Space Technology Research and Applications and 2016-20 Period’s Development seminar considered pathways to complete national strategic goals in the coming four years. Representatives from ministries and research centres presented reports on their studies and applications. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology and by the Viet Nam Space Committee office.

Significant Vietnamese achievements cited at the seminar include the Ministry of Information and Communication’s satellite VINASAT-1 and 2,  Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology’s VNREDSAT-1 satellite, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s station to receive satellite images SPOT, and the Ministry of Transport’s satellite INMARSAT.

Prime Minister approved the national strategy for 2006-2020 space technology research and applications in July 2006. After 10 years of implementation, research and space technology applications have been developed in many fields and international co-operation between Viet Nam and other nations also increased, the seminar heard.

Viet Nam has made achievements in space technology applications, and laboratories nationwide were vital in developing technology, according to a seminar report given on Friday. — Photo: baocongthuong.vn

Head of Viet Nam Space Committee office, Doan Ha Thang, said at the seminar that over the last 10 years, research and space technology applications have been implemented in all ministries, including science and technology, information and communications, natural resources and environment, agriculture and rural development, national defence, transport, public security, and industry and trade.

Many universities nationwide have also taught space technology subjects and used images taken by optical or environmental radar satellites.

Thang said the application of satellite image databases has also been developed and is now used regularly by all professional fields in Viet Nam. The country also has hundreds of offices and research centres dedicated to space technology and run by well-educated professional staff.

Viet Nam also has scientists who trained in space technology in leading nations.

Seminar participants noted that space technology applications and implementation was developing fast and that Vietnamese scientists and institutions must meet this challenge.