Space technology: Starting with pico satellites weighing 1kg

On November 19, on the way to Bangalore, India to attend the Asia-Pacific Forum (APRSAF-14) on space technology, Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Space Technology Institute answered the interview. VietnamNet reporter interviewed 1 year on the establishment of the Space Technology Institute (November 20, 2006-20 November 2007) .

- Sir, in the past 1 year, what has the Institute of Space Technology done to develop Vietnam's embryonic space industry?

- After 1 year of operation, the Institute of Space Technology has completed the organizational apparatus, established research departments in two main directions: Designing, manufacturing small satellites and applying remote sensing technology. Researchers in the Institute have been implementing a number of topics on micro-satellites, application of remote sensing technology in the construction of land maps and changes in mangrove forests . The Institute has trained some more. masters, as well as links with University of Technology, starting in 2008 training engineers in space technology.

Dr.Pham Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Space Technology Institute (middle) at Tsukuba Space Center, Japan, April 2007 (Photo: Space Technology Institute)

Wishing to receive support to quickly access technology from countries with a strong development of the aerospace industry, the Institute has actively proactively expanded its extensive international cooperation with the Space Agency. Japan (JAXA), European Space Agency (ESA), and many companies from Europe, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and American universities. In multilateral cooperation, the Institute has participated in the activities of international forums and organizations on space technology, such as the United Nations Organization for the Use of Aerospace (UNOOSA), Asian Forum - Pacific on Space Technology (APRSAF), ASEAN.

As a result of these activities, the Institute has received valuable support from international friends.

Although newly established, within 1 year, the Institute has been trusted and is one of the units that successfully organized international conferences in the field of aerospace technology in Vietnam, which is the Conference on use. Space Technology in the management of marine resources and environment in Vietnam (Hanoi, 5/2007); Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Forest Management and Environmental Protection (Hanoi, November 2007). In particular, in 2008, Vietnam will host the Asia-Pacific Forum on Space Technology (APRSAF-15) in Hanoi.

In the coming years with the interest of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Institute continue to carry out specific works of the Hoa Lac Space Technology Research and Development Project at the Research and Development Zone of Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. This will be Vietnam's first large-scale and modern space technology research and development zone.

- Only have access to space technology within 1 year, while many countries in the world have had many years of experience . The development of space technology in Vietnam is a cult difficult math?

- From the historical flight of Pham Tuan, the first astronaut of Vietnam and Asia in July 1980, Vietnam has nearly 30 years of access to space technology. After a long forgotten period, a number of specific projects related to this area have begun to be implemented in recent years.

That is the preparation for launching VINASAT satellite on March 28, 2008. This is the first satellite of Vietnam to serve the needs of communication, television, telecommunications services .

Performing the tasks assigned by the Government, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology is conducting specific tasks to conduct research and manufacture a small satellite observing the Earth, serving the monitoring of natural resources and environment. Vietnam.

One year of establishment of the Space Technology Institute (November 20, 2006-20 November 2007).In order to promote the research and application of space technology in the socio-economic life, in June 2006 the Government approved the 'Strategy for research and application of space technology to 2020'.And exactly 1 year ago, on November 20, 2006, the Prime Minister issued a Decision to establish the Institute of Space Technology under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, with the following tasks:

- Research and develop space science and technology fields to master small satellite technology, proceed to design and assemble small satellites.Implementing the application of space science and technology in practice, providing increased services in the field of space technology.

- Develop infrastructure for research and application of space technology: laboratories and testing facilities for space technology, Earth observation satellites, ground stations, .

- Advising state management agencies on policies to develop application of space technology, legal issues in the use of aerospace;acting as a standing body of professional help for the Vietnam Space Technology Research and Application Committee.Provide information on the application and development of space technology to serve the management and requirements of manufacturing and service sectors.Training of university staff, training at universities and dissemination of knowledge about space technology.- International cooperation in space science and technology

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has also established Remote Sensing Center and built satellite image receiving station. This is an investment from French ODA, in order to receive and process information from satellite images, to investigate and protect natural resources and the environment; monitoring and warning of natural disasters; territory planning and management. This project was basically completed and prepared to officially go into operation.

In addition, in cooperation with the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA), the Institute of Space Technology is also carrying out the project of designing and manufacturing micro satellites (pico / nano) for training. and build with the remote sensing and processing data center to apply in monitoring natural resources and environment.

- There are many ideas that space technology is a rather expensive investment field?

- The investment in space technology is a long-term job and needs billions of US dollars, so according to the country's experience, not only the State but also businesses realize clearly the benefits of space technology. participate strongly in this high-tech industry.

In the immediate future, the State has determined to invest in specific projects such as VINASAT-1 telecommunications satellite (implemented by the Ministry of Information and Communication); Small earth observation satellite - VNREDSat is implemented by Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; The project uses space technology to monitor the natural resources and environment in Vietnam (implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment).

The total cost of these projects has been hundreds of millions of US dollars. But when these projects come into operation, it will bring great efficiency to the socio-economic development of the country and to serve for national security and enhance Vietnam's position in the region.

- Do you believe that Vietnam will keep pace with other countries in the region?

- Since the launch of Sputnik's first artificial satellite in October 1957, this year, many countries across the globe celebrate the 50th anniversary of space technology.

In the past years, the world has witnessed the outstanding development of aerospace technology, not only in countries with traditional traditions such as Russia, America, or European countries but also in Asian countries like China. Japan, India.

China has been the third country to send people to space and plans to land on the Moon by 2020. In August 2007, Japan also successfully launched the satellite to explore the Moon. While earlier, in January 2007, India successfully recovered a spaceship, an important preparation for a manned flight in the future.

A type of micro satellite (Photo: Mes.titech.ac.jp)

Currently, many developed and developing countries are also interested in investing in space technology to serve the socio-economic sector, such as Korea, who chose its first astronaut to the ISS station in the year. 2008, Malaysia brought its first astronaut to space. In addition, some countries around us such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia . also have small satellites observing the Earth.

In the above situation, Vietnam needs strong and synchronous investment to have the opportunity to catch up with regional countries.

- Above, did you tell us that the Space Technology Institute is hosting a project to manufacture micro satellites? What is micro-satellites and how will they have applications?

- Micro satellites are also known as pico satellites, with a mass of less than 1kg In addition, there are nano satellites with a mass of less than 10kg. These micro-satellites are primarily aimed at training research staff and performing specific scientific tasks.

Pico satellites designed and manufactured by the Institute of Space Technology with a mass of 1 kg with dimensions (10cm x 10cm x 10cm) will be attached with cameras with low-resolution earth images along with the communication system. exchange information with ground stations. The investment budget is not much, so it is very suitable with the conditions of Vietnam for the training and research of space technology in the first phase.

As planned, in 2009, pico satellites were tested on the ground and will launch into space in 2010.

- According to what he said, in the coming years, Vietnam will definitely need a workforce for space technology . What is the Institute planning in preparing human resources for this industry in the coming years? ?

Assembling a pico satellite (Photo: Cubesat.auc.dk)

- One year is not a long time for the research and application of a high-tech field integrating multi-disciplines such as space technology. Although some initial results have been obtained, the question should be asked: "How can Vietnam advance quickly and achieve concrete results in the field of aerospace technology, worthy of its position? of the country in the region and the world in the future? ".

The first thing to pay attention to, is to actively disseminate knowledge, to the whole society, especially at all levels, to be aware of the great benefits and the role of research and application of space technology in development. socio-economic, in the sustainable development and growth of Vietnam. Next, it is necessary to have adequate and synchronous investment in human resources, facilities and specific national projects.

Here, special attention must be paid to ' people ' who are qualified and thinkable in accordance with high technology. In the current conditions of Vietnam, the issue of high-tech training through specific projects and jobs (training-on-job) is especially significant for the development of space technology.

From now on, it is necessary to develop a long-term human resource training strategy by opening standard technology majors, according to experiences and models of advanced countries. Future demand for space technology human resources will be huge. With basic knowledge such as mathematics, physics, mechanics and information technology, aerospace engineers can find opportunities to work not only in the traditional space industry, but in all Other areas such as automotive, petrochemical, oceanographic, research and development companies, government agencies, universities .

Actively expand international cooperation with specific projects, through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, which focuses on the world's major space agencies such as JAXA, ESA and NASA. Focus on attracting Vietnamese experts working in the field of aerospace technology abroad to participate in developing space technology in Vietnam.

- Thank you Sir!

Nong Khac Y (done)