Vietnam National Space Center, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Open Cosmos Ltd. Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Satellite Technology Cooperation in London, United Kingdom

17/11/2025

On October 30, 2025, within the framework of the Vietnam–United Kingdom High-Level Economic Conference held in London, the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC) under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and Open Cosmos Ltd. (United Kingdom) officially established a cooperative relationship in the field of small satellite design, manufacturing, and applications. The memorandum of understanding was exchanged between Prof. Acad. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of VAST, and Mr. Rafel Jorda Siquier, Vice President of Open Cosmos Ltd., during the signing ceremony witnessed by General Secretary To Lam, along with leaders of the Government, ministries, sectors, and central agencies.

VNSC is the focal agency of VAST and the nation in the field of space technology research, development, and applications. The Center currently operates the VNREDSat-1 satellite, while developing a line of “Made in Vietnam” small satellites and preparing for the reception and operation of the LOTUSat-1 radar satellite – Vietnam’s first Earth observation satellite using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. To serve its satellite development mission, VNSC manages and operates the Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test Center in Hoa Lac, which is capable of handling satellites weighing up to 180 kilograms. This facility serves as a key technical infrastructure for satellite design, integration, and testing. With a team of well-trained experts and extensive international cooperation experience, VNSC has been steadily advancing toward technological self-reliance in satellite development and building Vietnam’s national capacity in the space industry.

The development of the “Made in Vietnam” satellite line by VAST closely follows the orientation set out in Resolution 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, which emphasizes the role of the space sector. At the same time, the strengthening of international cooperation with pioneering enterprises such as Open Cosmos aligns with the identification of aerospace technology as one of the strategic technologies under Decision 1131/QD-TTg dated June 12, 2025, issued by the Prime Minister.

Open Cosmos is an emerging space technology enterprise from the United Kingdom, recognized as one of the fastest-growing startups in Europe in the field of satellite technology. The company is headquartered at Harwell Campus – the United Kingdom’s national space industry hub – with additional offices in Spain, Portugal, and Greece. In 2023, Open Cosmos raised 50 million USD in its Series B funding round and has earned the trust of European governments and space organizations, receiving orders and funding through the European Space Agency (ESA) and the United Kingdom Space Agency. After ten years of development, Open Cosmos has carried out dozens of international contracts, successfully launching multiple satellites into orbit with a 100% success rate. The company is also building an open global space ecosystem through its OpenConstellation and DataCosmos initiatives.

Prof. Acad. Le Truong Giang, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Mr. Florian Deconinck, Vice President of Open Cosmos Ltd., exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding during the cooperation agreement ceremony at the Vietnam–United Kingdom High-Level Economic Conference

The main contents of the memorandum between the two sides include:
• Long-term cooperation in satellite design and manufacturing for Vietnam and the Asia–Pacific region.
• Exploration of opportunities for joint projects on Earth observation and other types of satellite missions of mutual interest.
• Encouragement of capacity building, knowledge sharing, and efficient utilization of facilities and expertise in Vietnam.
• Positioning VNSC as the national focal point and Open Cosmos as a long-term regional partner.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, General Director of VNSC, stated that the signing and exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding with Open Cosmos marks an important step in expanding international cooperation in the space industry, enhancing Vietnam’s capabilities in small satellite design and manufacturing, and promoting the application and commercialization of satellite data in the country.

This agreement contributes to strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and the United Kingdom, while affirming the role of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in developing strategic technological sectors and advancing toward the establishment of Vietnam’s future space economy.

Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version

Tags: