Vietnam will use VNREDSat-1 effectively

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan believes that Vietnam's first operation, exploitation and use of remote sensing satellites will be successful, contributing to providing high-quality optical images to ministries and localities. .

On September 4, at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), the French representative officially handed over to Vietnam to operate VNREDSat-1 satellite.

After more than three months in orbit, satellites operate stably and send to the ground many clear photos, which are evaluated by experts to meet all the features and technical requirements. Satellites have the ability to observe and capture high resolution images at locations on the Earth's surface as well as the territory and territorial waters of Vietnam.

French representative (right) handed over VNREDSat-1 satellite system to Vietnam.(Photo: Duc Le)

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan congratulated and appreciated the efforts of staff of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and related and special units. French partner EADS Astrium, Arianespace, TPZ in implementing VNREDSat-1 project.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that this is an important scientific and technological event, marking a new development in the field of Vietnam space technology, following the success of telecommunications satellite projects. Vinasat-1, Vinasat-2.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the success of the VNREDSat-1 satellite project is not only significant in terms of science and technology, but also has great significance in terms of politics, economy, society and defense and security. , continue to show and affirm Vietnam's national sovereignty in space, contributing to determining Vietnam's position in the process of integration with the world in general, especially in the field of aerospace exploitation because of Peaceful purpose serves human interests in particular.

"With VNREDSat-1 satellite, Vietnam can fully master the technology and take the initiative in time and position in taking photos of regions on Earth , " Deputy Prime Minister said.

Deputy Prime Minister believes that the operation and operation of VNREDSat-1 satellite will be successful, high efficiency, contributing to providing a large number of high-resolution optical images for ministries. , local across the country.

At the same time, he expected the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to actively coordinate with ministries and branches throughout the country to best exploit the capacity of satellites, serving construction needs. national development, defense and security protection.

Image of Song Bung 2 hydropower plant, Quang Nam province, taken by VNREDSat-1 satellite on August 9.(Photo: VAST)

The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed his desire for the Academy of Science and Technology to promote achievements in medicine, draw experience, make efforts and create more and more to achieve great results and contribute to the work. successfully implement the objectives set out in Vietnam's space technology research and application strategy.

Vietnam's first remote sensing satellite entered the universe on May 7, 2013 by Vega rocket, from the launch yard of Kourou, French Guyana. VNREDSat-1 has the main task of photographing the surface of the Earth, providing a large number of high resolution optical images in a proactive and timely manner to ministries, provinces and scientific research agencies. and universities need to monitor natural resources, environment, natural disasters, climate change to serve socio-economic development and ensure national security.

After only two days into orbit, VNREDSat-1 sent to the ground station some images of the countries in the world. Up to now, after more than three months of operating on orbit, satellites operate stably, features and specifications meet the requirements.

VNREDSat-1 weighs about 120kg, has a total investment of 70 million USD with aid from France and Vietnam's counterpart fund.