Vietnam and France have established a significant collaboration in space technology, initiated by the VNREDSat-1 satellite program. This program, pivotal in strengthening bilateral relations, is set to advance with a focus on next-generation satellites, technology transfer, and enhanced domestic capabilities. VNREDSat-1, Vietnam’s first Earth observation satellite, was launched on May 7, 2013, and officially began operations in September that year. Despite an expected lifespan of five years, it continues to function in 2026, marking 14 years in service.
Apart from satellite operations, the program has been instrumental in advancing Vietnam’s technical expertise. Between 2011 and 2013, Vietnamese engineers underwent rigorous training in France and Vietnam, acquiring skills in system design, satellite operations, and troubleshooting. Over time, they developed the capacity to independently address technical challenges, transitioning from relying on transferred procedures to crafting their own solutions. Furthermore, Vietnam established a comprehensive remote-sensing system, facilitating imaging requests, satellite control, data reception, processing, storage, and distribution. Since 2020, VNREDSat-1 has delivered nearly 30,000 satellite images to aid environmental and natural resource management, disaster monitoring, scientific research, socio-economic development, and defense and security initiatives.
According to Trần Hồng Thái, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the program has laid a crucial technical and human-resource groundwork for upcoming satellite projects. However, he emphasized that achieving technological self-reliance demands further advancements in satellite design, payloads, electronics, flight software, assembly, integration, testing, and ground systems. A new chapter in the Vietnam-France cooperation began with the signing of a declaration of intent during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Vietnam in May 2025. This agreement, involving the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Airbus Defence and Space, and the French National Centre for Space Studies, aims to foster long-term collaboration in space technology and Earth observation. The partners are investigating a next-generation Earth observation system and exploring technological options for a proposed VNREDSat-2.
Future collaboration is anticipated to emphasize greater Vietnamese involvement in mission planning, system design, subsystem development, software, testing, and data applications. Opportunities for Vietnam to enhance its domestic expertise may arise in areas such as control software, remote-sensing image processing, artificial intelligence, ground systems, and selected sensors and payloads. The overarching goal is to transition from merely purchasing satellite systems to engaging in co-development and achieving technology mastery. This progression would empower Vietnamese scientists and engineers to gradually design, operate, troubleshoot, and eventually develop future generations of satellite technology independently.