In addition to the telecommunications satellite (Vinasat) scheduled for launch into orbit in 2008, the project for the application and development of remote sensing technology in Vietnam is also expected to launch a remote sensing satellite into orbit in 2005. To date, how far has the implementation of this project progressed?
Mr. Tran Cong Due, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology for Economic and Technical Sectors (Ministry of Science and Technology), stated:
– In July 2003, the Ministry of Science and Technology presented the Government with the project titled The Master Plan for the Application and Development of Remote Sensing Technology in Vietnam by 2010. The project includes two sub-projects for the construction of a satellite image receiving station, one project for launching a remote sensing satellite, one scientific research project, and one staff training project.
To meet the urgent demand for the application of remote sensing and telecommunications technology, the Prime Minister recently approved the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to build a remote sensing satellite image receiving station located in Tu Liem (Hanoi) and entrusted the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to implement Vietnam’s first telecommunications satellite launch project.
– From November 7 to 11, the Asian Remote Sensing Association, the Vietnam Remote Sensing and Mapping Association, and the Vietnam Geography Association will co-organize the 26th Asian Remote Sensing Conference in Hanoi. Concurrently, the 2nd Asian Space Conference will also be held in Hanoi. These two events will see the participation of 300 international delegates from 40 countries. – The Prime Minister has signed a decision to invest in the Vinasat telecommunications satellite launch project, with a total investment of 2.885 trillion VND. Vinasat will be launched into orbit at 1320E, covering the ASEAN countries, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, parts of China, and eastern Australia. Additionally, to support Vinasat’s operations, two satellite control stations will be constructed in Hoai Duc (Ha Tay) and Ben Cat (Binh Duong). |
?- With the current progress, when will Vietnam launch its remote sensing satellite?
– According to the plan, Vietnam will launch the Vinasat telecommunications satellite into orbit in 2008. As for the small remote sensing satellite, we must wait for the Government’s approval of Vietnam’s space technology development strategy before a feasibility project for launching the remote sensing satellite can be prepared for regular review. If the Prime Minister approves the space technology strategy by the end of this year and if the remote sensing satellite launch project is approved at the start of 2006, we may have the remote sensing satellite by late 2007 or early 2008. Currently, a foreign company is eager to collaborate with Vietnam in the construction and launch of the remote sensing satellite.
?- What type of satellite is Vietnam expected to launch?
– There are various types of small satellites of different sizes. Vietnam will choose a satellite weighing about 10-100 kg, to be launched into orbit at an altitude of 300-1,500 km, with an orbit period ranging from 90 minutes to 2 hours, typically using a polar orbit (from north to south over the equator).
Small satellites are advantageous for being easier to control and less expensive. They can observe many subjects and capture images that serve various sectors of the national economy, such as resource management, weather forecasting, monitoring environmental pollution, vegetation changes, forest fires, disaster prevention, mapping, and traffic system management. The cost to launch such a satellite is approximately 6 million USD. For satellites weighing 100-500 kg, the cost of construction and launch will be significantly higher (20 – 40 million USD).
It is noteworthy that each time a rocket launches a small satellite into orbit, it typically launches three satellites at once. Therefore, if Vietnam were to launch a satellite alone, it would be very costly. Collaborating with neighboring countries for a joint launch would be much more efficient. These satellites would then connect with each other, share information, and provide us with multiple layers of data.
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A portion of Hanoi captured via satellite |
?- How will the remote sensing satellite contribute to the development of the economy?
– Remote sensing technology ensures our high proactivity and timeliness in providing essential data to meet the demands of socio-economic development, national security, and defense, which we may not always be able to purchase or request from other countries.
Currently, according to incomplete estimates, the cost of purchasing remote sensing images for various economic sectors in our country requires millions of USD annually. Due to the lack of a unified coordination body, each sector purchases independently. Even agencies that have access to certain data may not communicate this to others, resulting in unnecessary purchases and inefficient utilization. Ideally, a single agency should be responsible for procurement, ensuring awareness of what data is already available, thus reducing costs. Therefore, once we successfully launch the remote sensing satellite and establish the receiving station, we will save a significant amount of funds currently spent annually.
?- Thank you, Mr. Due.
KHIÉT HƯNG conducted the interview
