Vietnam and France have strengthened their ties in space technology through the VNREDSat-1 satellite program, laying the groundwork for future projects involving next-generation satellites and technological advancement. VNREDSat-1, Vietnam’s inaugural Earth observation satellite, was launched on May 7, 2013, and handed over for operational use in September of the same year. Remarkably, the satellite continues to function in 2026, well beyond its initially expected lifespan of five years, marking 14 years of service.
This program has not only allowed Vietnam to gain proficiency in satellite operations but also fostered expertise in system design and problem-solving among Vietnamese engineers. Between 2011 and 2013, engineers underwent rigorous training in both France and Vietnam, equipping them with the skills necessary to manage technical issues independently. This advancement signifies a shift from relying solely on transferred procedures to innovating homegrown solutions. An integrated remote-sensing system was developed, encompassing imaging requests, satellite control, data reception, and distribution. Since 2020, VNREDSat-1 has provided nearly 30,000 satellite images for various applications, including environmental management, disaster monitoring, and defense-related activities.
According to Trần Hồng Thái, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the program established a crucial foundation for future satellite projects both in technical and human resources. However, he emphasized the necessity for Vietnam to advance towards greater technological independence, particularly in areas like satellite design, payload development, electronics, software, and ground systems.
A significant step in this cooperation was taken during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Vietnam in May 2025, when an agreement to pursue long-term collaboration in space technology was signed between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Airbus Defence and Space, and the French National Centre for Space Studies. This partnership aims to explore options for a next-generation Earth observation system and the potential VNREDSat-2 satellite. Future collaborations are expected to emphasize greater Vietnamese involvement in mission planning, system design, and data applications, offering opportunities to enhance domestic expertise in areas such as control software, remote-sensing image processing, and artificial intelligence.
Ultimately, the broad objective is to transition from purchasing satellite systems to co-developing them, allowing Vietnamese scientists and engineers to progressively gain mastery over satellite technology. This move could empower them to design, operate, and develop future satellite generations independently, marking a significant step toward technological self-reliance.