VIETNAM NATIONAL SPACE CENTER

 

 

Address: A6 building, No. 18 Hoang Quoc Viet str., Nghia Do ward, Hanoi.
Director: Prof. Dr. Vu Dinh Lam, Senior Researcher
Vice Directors: Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Senior Researcher
                          Dr. Le Xuan Huy, Principle Engineer
                          Dr. Ngo Duy Tan, Principle Researcher
                          MsC. Vu Thị Dung, Principle Official
                          Dr. Pham Minh Tuan, Principle Researcher

Decision of establishment: Decision No. 1611/QĐ-TTg dated September 16, 2011
Signed by: Prime Minister

 
ADDRESS
A6 building, No. 18 Hoang Quoc Viet str., Nghia Do ward, Hanoi
Phone: 024.37917675
Fax: 024.37627205
Email: info@vnsc.org.vn
Website: vnsc.org.vn
DIRECTORATE
Director: Prof. Dr. Vu Dinh Lam, Senior Researcher
Vice Directors: Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Principal Researcher
  Dr. Le Xuan Huy, Principle Engineer
  Dr. Ngo Duy Tan, Principle Researcher
  MsC. Vu Thị Dung, Principle Official
  Dr. Pham Minh Tuan, Principle Researcher
SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL (21 members)

Chairman: 01 member
Vice Chairman: 02 members
Secretary: 01 member
Members: 17 members

FUNCTIONS AND TASKS
Functions: Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC) has the functions of fundamental research and invesigation, research development and applications, high-quality capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in the field of space science and technology.

Tasks :

Receive, manage, implement, and exploit the national key project "Vietnam Space Center"
• Receive, manage, and organize the operation and exploitation of Earth observation satellites of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST).
•  Research and develop space technology including: satellite technology, ground station technology, remote sensing technology, satellite positioning technology, automation technology, scientific equipment manufacturing, and related technologies.
•  Implement fundamental research and investigations, develop technology and application in space science and technology and related fields.
• Build and develop technology infrastructure, satellite databases, implement national projects, and international cooperation in the fields of space science, space technology and the applications, especially in satellite design, manufacturing, and the development of Earth observation satellite systems.
• Apply and transfer space technology to serve socio-economic development and ensure national defense and security.
• Provide scientific and technological services in the field of space science and technology and other related fields as stipulated by law.
• Develop high-qualified human resources and a team of outstanding engineers and researchers in the field of space science and technology, particularly in satellite technology, remote sensing, and astronomy.
• Promote and disseminate knowledge, organize exhibition and introduction activities, and develop teaching aids to raise community awareness of the importance and benefits of space science and technology in accordance with the law and the VAST’s regulations.
•  Promote international cooperation in the field of space science and technology and other related fields.
• Manage the organization and employees in accordance with the law and the VAST’s regulations.
• Manage the finances and assets in accordance with the law and the VAST’s regulations.
• Perform other tasks assigned by the President of VAST.

ORGANIZATION  STRUCTURE    HUMAN RESOURCES

-    Administration Units:     
• General Management Department;
•    Project Management Board of Vietnam Space Center
Departments:
•     Center for Space Technology Research and Development;
•     Center for Satellite Manufacturing, Testing, and Operation;
•     Center for Satellite data Exploration and utilization;
•     Ho Chi Minh City Space Technology Application Center;
•     Center for Astrophysics and Science Exploration;
•     Department of Spatial Equipment Fabrication and Autonomous Systems;
•     Department of Research and Development of Satellite Technology;
•     Department of Remote Sensing Technology, GIS and GPS;
•     Centre for Small Satellite Control and Exploitation.

 
Total: 157

-    Professors: 0
-    Associate Professors: 02
-    Doctors  of Science: 0
-    Doctors: 127
-    Masters: 83
-    Bachelors: 36
-    Others:11

 
ACTIVITIES

- Receive, implement, manage, and exploit the Vietnam Space Center project funded by Japan ODA;
- Receive, manage, operate and exploit the Earth observation satellites of VAST;
- Research and develop space technology, including: satellite technology, ground station technology, remote sensing technology, satellite positioning technology, automation technology, scientific equipment manufacturing, and related technologies.
- Implement fundamental research and surveys, technology development, and implement applications of space science and technology and related fields.
 - Build and develop technology infrastructure, satellite databases, implement national projects, and international cooperation in the fields of space science, space technology and applications, especially in satellite design, manufacturing, and developing Earth observation satellite systems.
- Apply and transfer space technology to serve socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security.
- Provide scientific and technological services in the field of space science and technology and other related areas as regulated by law.
- Develop high-qualified human resources and a team of outstanding engineers and researchers in the field of space science and technology, particularly in satellite technology, remote sensing, and astronomy.
- Promote and disseminate knowledge, organize exhibition and introduction activities, and develop teaching aids to raise community awareness of the importance and benefits of space science and technology in accordance with the law and the VAST’s regulations.
- Promote international cooperation in the field of space science and technology and other related fields.

ACHIEVEMENTS

VNSC has inherited and promoted remarkable achievements since its establishment, affirming its position as a leading scientific and technological unit in Vietnam in the field of space technology. With the attention and investment from the VAST, VNSC has made impressive strides in infrastructure, research equipment, human resources, as well as research results and practical applications. The report below summarizes the outstanding achievements of VNSC, forming the foundation for development in the post-merger period.

Results of Scientific and Technological Research

VNSC has conducted hundreds of projects at various levels, including national space science and technology programs, basic research projects funded by the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED), projects at the VAST level, local level, provincial level, international collaboration projects, and tasks funded by private sector like Vingroup. The research focuses on five main pillars: space technology, applications of space technology, space science, training, and knowledge dissemination. These efforts have contributed to building a solid scientific foundation to meet the national demand for space technology development.

In terms of scientific publications, VNSC has made a mark with hundreds of international articles, most of which are published in journals indexed in SCI/SCI-E/Scopus, alongside other articles in international journals with ISSN codes. VNSC has also published numerous domestic articles, obtained several intellectual property certificates, and published specialized books and textbooks. These publications not only reflect outstanding research capabilities but also align closely with strategic tasks, enhancing Vietnam's scientific standing on the international stage.

Outstanding Technological Achievements

VNSC has affirmed its pioneering role in satellite technology in Vietnam. One of its proud achievements is the safe and effective operation of the VNREDSat-1 remote sensing satellite for over a decade in orbit, far exceeding its original design lifespan. This satellite has provided tens of thousands of images, serving socio-economic development and supporting national defense and security, meeting the domestic demand for satellite imagery. The technical team at VNSC has continuously worked to maintain the system's operations, even when facing technical issues, through cooperation with international partners.

Additionally, VNSC is a leader in the design, manufacture and launch of "Made in Vietnam" satellites such as PicoDragon, MicroDragon, and NanoDragon. The LOTUSat-1 satellite project—a synthetic aperture radar satellite weighing approximately 570 kg—is currently being finalized, with the capability to capture high-resolution images under all weather conditions. LOTUSat-1 promises to provide critical data for disaster response, resource management, and promoting socio-economic development. These achievements mark a significant step for VNSC in mastering the technology of designing, manufacturing, and operating Earth observation satellites.

 Applications of Space Technology

VNSC has developed and implemented numerous applications of space technology serving various fields. The Vietnam Data Cube system provides nationwide remote sensing data, supporting government agencies in managing agriculture, disaster prevention, and national defense and security. Notable applications include monitoring rice production, forest surveillance, water quality assessment, urbanization observation, and tracking natural disasters such as floods and landslides based on SAR and optical data. VNSC has also developed a webGIS system that integrates remote sensing and IoT, successfully applied in many localities to support agricultural development and resource management.

Directions in Space Science

VNSC maintains a strong research group in space science, particularly in astrophysics. This group leverages open data from the world’s most modern measurement systems such as ALMA, NOEMA, JCMT, and VLT/MUSE to conduct high-quality research without requiring substantial investment in equipment. VNSC’s scientists possess experience and skills in analyzing astronomical data, applying advanced computational models such as radiation transfer simulations, radiation torque theory, and gravitational lensing effects. These studies have contributed to numerous international publications, enhancing VNSC's standing in the regional and global space science community.

Training and Knowledge Dissemination

VNSC has made significant contributions to develop high-quality human resources in the field of space technology. VNSC collaborates with leading universities such as USTH, University of Technology, and Polytechnic University to train Master's and Doctoral students in space technology and remote sensing. Many young staff members have been sent to study in developed countries like Japan, participating in specialized training courses on satellite operations and manufacturing. In terms of knowledge dissemination, VNSC operates a planetarium and an observatory, attracting thousands of visitors from students to organizations. These activities not only raise community awareness but also ignite a passion for exploring space in the younger generation.

Domestic and International Cooperation

VNSC has established a broad network of cooperation both domestically and internationally. Within the country, the center has signed numerous implementation contracts with ministries, sectors, and localities, and collaborates with major universities to promote research and training. Internationally, VNSC cooperates with leading organizations such as NASA, NOAA, JAXA, Airbus, Thales, CEOS, GEO, IAF, APRSAF, and Sentinel Asia. The center has organized and co-hosted many international conferences and workshops, while also playing a key role in sharing satellite imagery data for disaster prevention through networks like UNESCAP and Sentinel Asia. These activities have promoted technology transfer and enhanced Vietnam's position in the global scientific community.

Future Directions

With modern infrastructure in Hòa Lạc, a well-trained workforce, and a broad network of cooperation, VNSC will continue to operate VNREDSat-1, finalize and launch LOTUSat-1, and develop small "Made in Vietnam" satellites following the merger. The center aims to master Earth observation satellite technology, contributing to the national strategy for developing and applying space science and technology. This will lay the foundation for VNSC to assert its role as a leading center in research, application, and training, contributing to the socio-economic development, national defense, and international integration of Vietnam.

Vietnam National Space Center at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park


Center for Astrophysics and Space Exploration in Hoa Lac


Satellite Operation Center in Hoa Lac


Advanced staff training at factories in Japan


Manufacturing and testing of LOTUSat-1 satellite in Japan


Nha Trang Observatory in Nha Trang

The S-band signal transmission and reception station of VNREDSat-1 satellite in Hoa Lac

Closed-Loop Operation Process of the VNREDSat-1 System

Operation of the VNREDSat-1 Satellite

The first satellite image of Hanoi taken by VNREDSat-1 on May 9, 2013

 
Website: vnsc.org.vn
 
 
 
 

 

 

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