Vietnam, Airbus discuss future of VNREDSat program

Phan Ngoc Minh (right) and Guy Limouzin (left) at the reception. Image courtesy of Space Technology Institute, Vietnam.

On March 7, 2018, Phan Ngoc Minh, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, met Guy Limouzin, Vice President, Sales, Earth Observation Space Systems, Airbus Defense and Space. The two sides exchanged views on VNREDSat-1 and the space development strategy for VNREDSat-2.

VNREDSat-1 (short for Vietnam Natural Resources, Environment and Disaster Monitoring Satellite) is the first optical earth observation satellite of Vietnam; its primary mission is to monitor and study the effects of climate change, predict and take measures to prevent natural disasters, and optimise the management of Vietnam’s natural resources.

The delegation also included Le Quynh Lien, Deputy Head of International Cooperation;  Pham Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of Space Technology Institute; Tran Van Ngoc, Deputy Director of Planning and Finance.

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At the reception, GS. Phan Ngoc Minh welcomed Limouzin to the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). Vietnam now has the VNREDSat-1 satellite (implemented by the French government, funded by VAST) in orbit since May 2013 operating effectively.

After nearly 5 years of operation, VNREDSat-1 has provided thousands of high-resolution optical images that meet the satellite imagery needs of relevant ministries and agencies in Vietnam. After the success of VNREDSat-1, Phan Ngoc Minh hopes France and Vietnam will soon reach a financial agreement to implement the next satellite project VNREDSat-2. As for the technical recommendations of VNREDSat-2, the VAST side “fully trusts and supports the French”, according to the agency’s press release.

Based on the good results of the cooperation, Guy Limouzin also expressed his hope that the financing of VNREDSat-2 will soon find the right solution, and said he looked forward to future opportunities for further scientific cooperation between VAST and French partners.

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