Going forward, Viet Nam will observe the earth with a small satellite beam. This is information that has just been announced by the Vietnam Space Center (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) at the Workshop "Proposing a plan and roadmap for national capacity building in Earth observation based on small satellite system".
The use of small satellite beams brings many benefits such as: shorter satellite retest time, lower satellite development and launch costs, and service provided by satellite beams is continuous. The development of small satellite beams also helps to maximize the use of data in combination with sensors on the ground for socio-economic development purposes.
In February 2021, the Prime Minister issued a Decision approving the strategy for development and application of space science and technology until 2030.
Accordingly, the overall objective of the strategy is: “To widely apply the achievements of space science and technology; focused investment in a number of fields related to national defense and security, natural resources and environment management, monitoring and support to reduce damage caused by natural disasters, providing a variety of services for citizen; improve the country's scientific and technological potential, contribute to ensuring independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, promote socio-economic development and ensure other national interests".
In this Strategy, the Government has assigned the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology the task of developing and implementing the "Project on strengthening the national capacity for Earth observation based on the small satellite system with high high resolution, ultra-high resolution by means of optical sensor technology, radar, combined with unmanned aerial vehicle" to gradually realize the stated goals of the Space Strategy. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a group of experts to conduct related surveys and research to gradually develop and implement this task.
The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has coordinated with a Japanese consulting group, ministries, sectors, universities, research institutes and enterprises to survey the demand for satellite image data, capacity to exploit satellite data, as well as the ability and need to participate in the satellite development process in Viet Nam.
International experts suggest that it is necessary to combine the use of satellites and Vietnam's existing ground facilities; efficient use of satellite data and capacity building of the State, academia and the private sector. Quickly validate climate change, natural disasters, and compromised infrastructure with space technology and ground data for national safety.