Vietnam and France’s collaboration in space technology has deepened, thanks to the VNREDSat-1 satellite program, which has paved the way for future advancements such as next-generation satellites and increased local technological capabilities. VNREDSat-1, Vietnam’s inaugural Earth observation satellite, was launched on May 7, 2013, and became operational in September of the same year. Remarkably, the satellite, which was initially designed to last five years, continues to function in 2026, marking its 14th year in service.
The program has been instrumental in fostering Vietnam’s expertise beyond simply operating satellites. Between 2011 and 2013, Vietnamese engineers underwent comprehensive training in France and their home country, building proficiency in system design, satellite operations, and problem-solving. Over time, these engineers began to address technical issues independently, showcasing a transition from relying on imported procedures to crafting their own solutions.
Vietnam has also established a comprehensive remote-sensing system that manages imaging requests, satellite control, and data handling tasks, such as reception, processing, storage, and distribution. Since 2020, VNREDSat-1 has provided nearly 30,000 satellite images, supporting activities in environmental management, natural resource oversight, disaster monitoring, scientific research, socio-economic development, and defense and security.
Trần Hồng Thái, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, noted the program’s role in establishing crucial technical and human resources for future satellite endeavors. However, he emphasized the necessity for Vietnam to achieve greater technological independence, particularly in areas like satellite design, payloads, electronics, flight software, assembly, integration, testing, and ground systems.
During French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Vietnam in May 2025, a new phase of cooperation was initiated. 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 collaboration in space technology and Earth observation. This partnership is exploring a next-generation Earth observation system and potential technologies for a proposed VNREDSat-2. Future collaborations are anticipated to emphasize Vietnamese involvement in mission planning, system design, subsystem development, and data applications, with a focus on areas like control software, remote-sensing image processing, artificial intelligence, ground systems, and selected sensors and payloads. Ultimately, the goal is to progress from merely purchasing satellite systems to co-developing and mastering technology, enabling Vietnamese scientists and engineers to independently design and develop future satellite technology.