Vietnam’s collaboration with France in space technology, initiated through the VNREDSat-1 satellite program, has laid a solid groundwork for future advancements in satellite technology and domestic capabilities. The VNREDSat-1, launched on May 7, 2013, was Vietnam’s inaugural Earth observation satellite and became operational later that year in September. Impressively, it has surpassed its initial five-year lifespan and continues to function in 2026, its 14th year in operation.
The program has significantly contributed to Vietnam’s expertise in satellite technology, with Vietnamese engineers receiving comprehensive training in both France and Vietnam from 2011 to 2013. During this period, they honed their skills in system design, satellite operations, and troubleshooting. Over time, these engineers have transitioned from relying on transferred procedures to independently resolving technical issues, marking a significant shift towards developing their own solutions.
Vietnam has also established an integrated remote-sensing system capable of handling imaging requests, satellite control, and data processing. Since 2020, VNREDSat-1 has provided nearly 30,000 satellite images, aiding in environmental management, disaster monitoring, scientific research, socio-economic development, and defense activities. According to Trần Hồng Thái, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the program has laid a critical technical and human-resource foundation for upcoming satellite projects. However, he emphasized the need for further advancements in areas such as satellite design, electronics, and ground systems to achieve greater technological self-reliance.
In May 2025, a new phase of collaboration was launched during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Vietnam. The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Airbus Defence and Space, and the French National Centre for Space Studies signed a declaration of intent to pursue long-term cooperation in space technology and Earth observation. This partnership aims to explore a next-generation Earth observation system and technological possibilities for the proposed VNREDSat-2.
Future endeavors are expected to enhance Vietnamese involvement in mission planning, system design, and data applications, focusing on areas such as control software, remote-sensing image processing, and artificial intelligence. By moving from purchasing satellite systems towards co-development, Vietnam seeks to empower its scientists and engineers to design, operate, and develop future satellite technologies independently, ultimately achieving mastery in this field.