Vietnam’s foray into space technology, marked by the VNREDSat-1 satellite programme, has significantly strengthened its collaborative ties with France, especially focusing on space technology advancements. This partnership is set to evolve with an emphasis on developing next-generation satellites, technology transfer, and enhancing Vietnam’s domestic capabilities in space exploration. The VNREDSat-1, Vietnam’s inaugural Earth observation satellite, was launched on May 7, 2013, and became fully operational by September of the same year. Originally designed with a five-year lifespan, the satellite continues to function in 2026, celebrating 14 years of service.
The programme has been instrumental in expanding Vietnam’s expertise beyond basic satellite operations. Between 2011 and 2013, Vietnamese engineers underwent rigorous training in both France and Vietnam, focusing on system design, satellite operations, and troubleshooting. This training enabled them to manage technical challenges independently, shifting from reliance on transferred procedures to crafting their own solutions. Furthermore, Vietnam established a comprehensive remote-sensing system that encompasses imaging requests, satellite control, and data management. Since 2020, VNREDSat-1 has been a vital resource, supplying nearly 30,000 satellite images for various applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster management, scientific research, socio-economic development, and national security.
According to Trần Hồng Thái, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the programme has laid a crucial technical and human-resource foundation for upcoming satellite projects. However, he emphasized the need for greater self-reliance in technology, which requires advancements in satellite design, payloads, electronics, flight software, and ground systems. The goal is to further develop these capabilities to achieve technological independence.
A new chapter in this collaborative journey began during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Vietnam in May 2025. The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology joined forces with Airbus Defence and Space and the French National Centre for Space Studies, signing a declaration of intent to pursue long-term cooperation in space technology and Earth observation. The partnership is considering the development of a next-generation Earth observation system and exploring technological options for VNREDSat-2.
Future collaboration will likely emphasize increased Vietnamese involvement in mission planning, system design, and data applications. This includes areas like control software, remote-sensing image processing, artificial intelligence, and ground systems. The partnership aims to transition from purchasing satellite systems to co-development, allowing Vietnamese scientists and engineers to gradually master satellite technology, from design and operation to troubleshooting and independent development.