Satellite LOTUSat-1 to Carry Vietnam’s Dream into Space by End of 2024

• 28 January 2024
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Vietnam is on the brink of a historic technological feat as it prepares to launch its maiden radar technology satellite, LOTUSat-1, into orbit by the close of 2024. The LOTUSat-1, a 600-kilogram marvel of cutting-edge radar technology, is a testament to Vietnam’s ambitious foray into space exploration and satellite imagery.

Set to be finalised in March 2024, the satellite is poised to capture the world’s attention as it orbits the Earth between December 2024 and February 2025. The Vietnam Space Centre, as reported by VOVWORLD on 22 January 2024, shared that the primary mission of the LOTUSat-1 is to capture high-resolution images, providing invaluable data for mitigating the impact of natural disasters, climate change, and environmental management.

Boasting a pixel-quality display of 1 metre, the LOTUSat-1 is armed with a state-of-the-art radio wave sensor. This level of pixel precision enables the satellite to discern objects as small as one meter on the ground, ensuring detailed observations day and night, regardless of weather conditions – be it cloudy, foggy, or in complete darkness.

Vietnam’s strategic partnership with Japan takes centre stage in this space odyssey. NEC, a leading Japanese technology firm, is at the helm of manufacturing the LOTUSat-1 satellite. Notably, Japan’s role extends beyond hardware production, with human resource training provided to Vietnamese professionals in Japan. This transfer of technology encompasses satellite development, transportation, and usage of satellite imagery.

The LOTUSat-1’s potential impact is substantial. Covering the entire surface of Vietnam, the satellite’s space observations aim to reduce the damage caused by natural disasters by an impressive 10 percent. This groundbreaking project is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between Vietnam and Japan, symbolizing the former’s ascent into the realm of space technology.

Since 2006, Vietnam, with the support of the Japan Aeronautics and Space Administration (JAXA), has achieved significant milestones in space exploration. The successful development and launch of three small satellites – PicoDragon, Nano Dragon, and MicroDragon – underscore the nation’s commitment to advancing scientific and technological frontiers.

• Technology and Engineering