Vietnam’s VNREDSat-1 satellite programme has become a cornerstone for expanded collaboration with France in space technology, setting the stage for advancements in next-generation satellites and enhancing domestic capabilities. Since its launch on May 7, 2013, VNREDSat-1, Vietnam’s inaugural Earth observation satellite, has been operational well beyond its initial five-year lifespan and continues to function in 2026, marking an impressive 14 years of service.
This programme has not only advanced satellite operations in Vietnam but has also cultivated local expertise. Between 2011 and 2013, Vietnamese engineers participated in rigorous training sessions in both France and Vietnam, acquiring skills in system design and satellite operations. This training enabled them to address technical challenges independently, transitioning from merely following instructions to innovating their own solutions. Furthermore, Vietnam has established an integrated remote-sensing system, which includes imaging requests, satellite control, and data handling. Since 2020, VNREDSat-1 has provided nearly 30,000 images, aiding in various sectors such as environmental management, disaster monitoring, and national defense.
Trần Hồng Thái, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, emphasized the programme’s significance in building a technical and human-resource foundation for future satellite initiatives. However, he noted that achieving greater technological autonomy would necessitate advancements in satellite design, payloads, flight software, and other areas. A pivotal development occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Vietnam in May 2025, when the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Airbus Defence and Space, and the French National Centre for Space Studies signed a declaration of intent to pursue long-term cooperation in space technology and Earth observation.
This renewed partnership aims to focus on Vietnamese involvement in mission planning, system design, and software development, particularly for a proposed VNREDSat-2. Emphasis will be placed on areas such as remote-sensing image processing and artificial intelligence, providing Vietnam with opportunities to bolster its domestic expertise. The overarching goal is to transition from purchasing satellite systems to co-developing them, enabling Vietnamese scientists and engineers to independently design and develop future satellite technologies.