Forming process
On 16th September 2011, Vietnam National Satellite Center (VNSC) directly under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) was established according to decision number 1611/QĐ-TTg of Prime Minister. However, the establishment of VNSC had been prepared ealier, with the passion and enthusiam of scientists, notably Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director of VNSC.
Being aware the importance of “The Strategy for Research and Applications of Space Technology of Vietnam until 2020” approved in June 2006, Dr. Pham Anh Tuan along with the young scientists from Mechatronics room – Institute of Mechanics moved to the Institute of Space Technology since the very beginning of establishment (November 2011) with a dream to create a new research branch in Vietnam. In 2007, in the role of Vice-chairman, Dr. Pham Anh Tuan has proposed the construction of Vietnam Space Center at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park with the support from the Government, VAST and Japan’s Government.
After 2 years of preparation, on April 22nd 2009, Prime Minister concluded: “This is a key investment project, creating the core basis for the implementation of space technology research and development, education, applications and international cooperation in Space technology, to implement the strategy of reseach and applications of Space technology until 2020.” On the basis of Vietnam Space Center Project and to implement the strategy of reseach and applications of Space technology until 2020, VAST planned to establish VNSC with one of the missions which is to receive, manage and implement Vietnam Space Center project.
Constructing and Developing
After establishing, VNSC has developed significantly, carrying out the mission of building platform for facilities and people, meanwhile, turning towards an agency holding the significant position in space technology development and application. Continuously in 2012 and 2013, the activities of center were chosen as one of 10 typical events on space technology. The memorable milestone in the process of building and developing the Center:
– In November 2011, the governments of Vietnam and Japan signed the ODA loan agreement for Project of Vietnam Space Center in Hoa Lac High Tech Park.
- In September 2012, beginning construction of Vietnam Space Center in Hoa Lac High Tech Park.
- In November 2013, the first satellite of the Center, Picogragon oprerates in space.
- In December 2013, submitting the investment project for “Space Technology Application Center in Ho Chi Minh City Hi-tech Park”
- In January 2014, establishing the Southern Satellite Technology Application Center in Ho Chi Minh city.
- In July 2014, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) approved the addiontal category of Nha Trang Observatory of Vietnam Space Center Project.
- In September 2014, completing the preparation of Vietnam Space Center contruction in Hoa Lac High Tech Park.
- By 2014, the Centre has built up a personnel of more than 100 people , including 22 trainees who was appointed to attend the long-term training course in Japan.
Future
To become a strong research organization of technology, application and training on a par with the regional and international level in space technology, especially technology satellite in the future, VNSC orientates to develop in the following fields:
- Researching and manufacturing satellite: to research and approach space technology, access to mastering technology, design and manufacture small satellites, and launch successfully Observation satellite with high resolution. Vietnam will become one of the first countries which is capable of manufacturing small satellite in the Southeast Asia region. VNSC’s process of developing satellite has been planned and carried out step by step.
- Space Technology Application: to build the datebase and processing remote sensing image from Observation Satellites; Cooperate and exchange image data with other countries in the world to implement the application projects across the region and in the world.
- Training: based on the cooperation between VAST and Technology University, Vietnam National University Hanoi training technology satellite engineer since 2009 and establishing Faculty of Aeronautics Technology – Space, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), the orientation of the Center is to coordinate with these universities to train via undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the fields of Space Technology and Space Technology Application.
- By 2020, VNSC will become an agency with 250 employees, including the branches in Hoa Lac, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh which are built with modern facilities, and being synchronous.
