Vietnam will have a second remote sensing satellite

VNREDSat-1B is the next remote sensing satellite that Vietnam plans to launch into space in cooperation with Belgium, after successfully launching the first earth observation satellite.

Belgium and Vietnam have decided that Belgian companies, under the direction of Spacebel, will produce VNREDSat - 1B satellites, according to a statement issued by the Belgian Embassy in Vietnam on May 9. This will be the second earth observation satellite to help monitor environmental resources, natural disasters, improve territorial management and major resources such as agriculture, sea and forest.

Vietnam's first earth observation satellite VNREDSat-1 is operating
in space after being launched into space on May 7 last. (Photo: Vast.ac)

VNREDSat - 1B is expected to launch into space in 2017. This satellite originates from the group of satellites PROBA (Project for On-BoardAutonomy) of the European Space Agency (ESA).

"Belgium is proud of the achievements in aerospace technology and actively contributes to the European space program. Belgium is also pleased to contribute to Vietnam's space program" , excerpts from the announcement. .

Earlier, on May 7, during the launch of Vietnam's first remote sensing satellite, VNREDSat-1 entered space with two other satellites, including the satellite of the European space agency (produced by Belgium). ) is PROBA-V from Kourou launch site in Guyane, France.

On this occasion, the Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam said that the simultaneous launch of Vietnam's satellite and PROBA-V satellite is a beautiful symbol for Vietnam's desire for space technology, and capacity. European technology in general, Belgium in particular.

The VNREDSAT-1B project has a total investment of over 60 million euros from the Belgian government's ODA loan and Vietnam's counterpart fund. Satellite weighs about 130kg.