In response to inquiries from some readers regarding the estimated costs for Vietnam’s small-scale remote sensing satellite launch program, VietNamNet spoke with Mr. Tran Cong Due, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology for Economic-Technical Sectors, Ministry of Science and Technology.
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Mr. Tran Cong Due. |
Some readers believe that the projected cost of $20 million for a small satellite weighing between 60 to 100 kg is excessively high, approximately 10 times higher than similar costs globally. How do you address this concern?
– Mr. Tran Cong Due: The cost of a satellite depends on three main factors: the design and manufacturing costs of the satellite; the cost of renting a launch vehicle to place the satellite into orbit; and the insurance costs for the satellite in orbit, along with the expenses for purchasing specialized image reception stations. With these three components, higher demands will lead to increased costs and longer completion times. For instance, if complex configurations are chosen that include multiple cameras, high-resolution sensors, communication transceivers operating on various bandwidths with high power, and large-capacity solar panels, the design and manufacturing costs will increase significantly.
Additionally, if the satellite carries heavy equipment, the cost of renting a launch vehicle will also be higher. Currently, a large launch vehicle can simultaneously deploy three small satellites. If we cannot wait for two more partners who also want to launch small satellites, the costs will rise considerably.
Typically, the manufacturing cost of a satellite accounts for about one-third of the total cost of the entire program. The cost of renting the launch vehicle is roughly the same. The remaining one-third is allocated for building the satellite control station, insurance for the satellite in orbit, training personnel, and storage until the launch date… It is only through specific tenders that the official prices can be determined. Manufacturers often only discuss the design and manufacturing costs of the satellites, but during negotiations, it becomes clear that the total costs can increase significantly. Generally, the cost to design, manufacture, and launch a small satellite into orbit ranges from $3 million to $20 million, depending on the selected configuration.
According to you, how many remote sensing satellites does Vietnam need in the future?
– Remote sensing satellites are technologies that serve daily life. If we rely on purchasing satellite images from foreign countries, we will be very passive. In Southeast Asia, only four countries—Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar—do not have this type of satellite. In my opinion, given the current economic circumstances, Vietnam should initially have one high-resolution remote sensing satellite in low Earth orbit.
This satellite will be multifunctional: monitoring resources and the environment; tracking weather changes and issuing disaster warnings; overseeing vegetation changes, land management, and urban planning; monitoring and managing transportation activities on land and at sea; and early detection of forest fires or oil spills at sea… For other purposes, satellite images from foreign sources can be acquired as needed.
It is known that the small satellite project was submitted to the government in 2003. Is there a possibility that this project will be approved this year?
– Recently, the government approved the Vinasat telecommunication satellite manufacturing and launch project and the satellite image reception station construction project. These are two urgent projects that have been approved without waiting for the Strategy for the Application and Development of Space Technology.
Perhaps the small satellite project will have to wait until after the government approves this strategy because the strategy is a project of significant importance to science and technology. Through this strategy, a scientific and technological workforce capable of researching, designing, and manufacturing satellites can be trained, effectively applying space technology while also building essential infrastructure to support the country’s economic and social development.
Thank you, sir!
Minh Son
