Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits the Vietnam Space Museum at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA.

Attending the event were: Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung; President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Tran Hong Thai; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam ITO Naoki; leaders of central ministries, departments and agencies; representatives of Japanese agencies and organizations; international organizations; partners, businesses, research institutes and universities, scientists and businesses in the field of space technology from Vietnam and Japan.

Before attending the Forum, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates visited the Satellite Control and Operation Center at the Vietnam Space Center. This center monitors the status of satellites in orbit, plans control operations, collects and processes data to create products for ministries, departments, and localities, as well as serving national security requirements.

The Prime Minister also observed the satellite technology research and development center, the core infrastructure for this stage including clean rooms for satellite integration, testing equipment, and space environment simulators to verify satellite operation before launch. Based on existing experience and currently invested capacity, the Vietnam Space Center is finalizing designs to prepare proposals for manufacturing the next “Made in Vietnam” satellites according to the roadmap to 2030, with a vision to 2045.

The Prime Minister also visited the MicroDragon-2 satellite, weighing approximately 50kg, which was deployed to both create a product for application – monitoring forest changes – and to test domestically designed and manufactured technology in order to accumulate mastery capabilities.

The idea and dream of flying into space and exploring the universe originated from the story of “Cuoi and Hang” (the Moon Man and the Moon Goddess).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered a speech at the “Vietnam-Japan Space Forum 2026: Cooperation for a New Era”.

The forum “Vietnam-Japan Space Vision 2026: Cooperation for a New Era” took place from March 12-15, with the participation of leading Japanese organizations and corporations such as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Trade Promotion Organization (JETRO), and many major space technology companies such as NEC, Synspective, ArkEdge Space, Tellus Inc., Space BD, RESTEC, Nomura Research Institute, Space Edge Lab, Kubota, etc.

The forum’s discussions focused on key topics such as: the application of satellite data in disaster prevention and climate change mitigation; ship monitoring and the marine economy; smart agriculture; resource and environmental management; and standardization and security of space data. In addition to plenary sessions and business networking, the forum also featured a Vietnam-Japan space technology exhibition and a “Space Exploration” exhibition.

The forum is expected to become a strategic networking platform between government agencies, research institutes, and businesses of the two countries, contributing to the development of a space economy ecosystem in Vietnam, and affirming a new step forward in the comprehensive strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in the era of science, technology, and innovation.

At the forum, Japanese Vice Minister of Economy and Technology Hiroyuki Hatada, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam ITO Naoki, and their Japanese partners stated that the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World between Vietnam and Japan” is developing very well and the two countries are entering a new era, in which cooperation in science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and aerospace science and technology is extremely important for each country’s rapid and sustainable development.

Japan desires and is committed to working alongside Vietnam to further deepen the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World between Vietnam and Japan,” including in the field of space science and technology for peaceful purposes, serving socio-economic development, disaster prevention and mitigation, and combating climate change.

Highly appreciating Vietnam’s development strategy based on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, with the decisive leadership of General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Japanese side believes that cooperation in the field of space science and technology between Vietnam and Japan will continue to develop and expand as vast as the boundless universe.

Speaking at the “Vietnam-Japan Space Vision Forum 2026: Cooperation for a New Era,” Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that, in the context of Vietnam entering a new era of development with a far-sighted vision, deep thinking, and grand ambitions, venturing deep into the earth, reaching far into the sea, and soaring into space, the inauguration of the Vietnam Space Center and the organization of the Vietnam-Japan Space Vision Forum are of special significance, marking an important step in the development of Vietnam’s space science and technology sector; and simultaneously opening a new chapter of deeper, more substantive, and more effective cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

Sharing his views on the position and role of space science and technology in today’s era and the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, especially in the field of space, the Prime Minister stated that the inauguration of the Vietnam Space Center marks a new stage of development in the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

Stating that the Vietnam Space Center is a modern infrastructure complex with a scale and technological level among the most advanced in Southeast Asia, the Prime Minister highly appreciated and sincerely thanked the valuable contributions of the Japanese Government, organizations, and businesses that have joined hands with the Vietnamese Government, businesses, and people to cultivate extremely positive cooperation achievements in the past, creating a solid foundation for Vietnam and Japan to continue to reach new heights together, for the prosperous development of each nation and for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Regarding the development of space science and technology in Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that since ancient times, Vietnamese people have had the idea and dream of flying into space and exploring the universe, as evidenced by stories like “Cuoi and Hang” and “Banh Chung and Banh Giay” (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes).

In 1980, Vietnam became the first Asian country to have a person fly into space, with the heroic flight of Pham Tuan. In 2006, the Government approved the Strategy for Research and Application of Space Technology until 2020, setting the goal of developing space technology to practically and effectively serve the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country. Vietnam successfully launched the VINASAT-1 satellite in 2008 and VINASAT-2 in 2012.

In 2013, PicoDragon, Vietnam’s first independently developed satellite, was launched into orbit. In 2019, MicroDragon, a joint development between Vietnam and Japan, was launched for remote sensing purposes. In 2021, the NanoDragon satellite, independently developed by Vietnam, was successfully launched. Currently, the LOTUSat-1 radar satellite has been completed and is awaiting launch into orbit for operational use, a clear testament to Vietnam’s remarkable progress in mastering advanced technology.

Regarding the goals, vision, and perspectives for the development of Vietnam’s space science and technology, the Prime Minister stated that Vietnam consistently maintains the view that space development should be for peaceful purposes, in compliance with United Nations conventions and international law, for sustainable development, and for the benefit of the people, businesses, and the nation; while ensuring independence, self-reliance, and self-strength alongside expanding substantive and effective international cooperation.

Vietnam aims to become a country with a moderately advanced level of space science and technology development in Southeast Asia by 2030. After 2030, the goal is to build national self-reliance in satellite technology and the application of space data to solve global and national security problems.

Introducing the specific goals for the development of Vietnam’s space science and technology by 2030 in terms of infrastructure and technology, applications and economics, and commercialization, the Prime Minister emphasized the motto for future action, defined by 20 words: “Space exploration - Mastering technology - Strong cooperation - Sustainable development - Peaceful space”.

Space science and technology make a practical contribution to national development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered a speech at the “Vietnam-Japan Space Forum 2026: Cooperation for a New Era”.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister stated that Vietnam will continue to improve the institutions, mechanisms, and policies for space activities in accordance with Vietnam’s conditions and international practices; and will research and prepare the scientific and practical basis to gradually complete the legal framework, moving towards building a Vietnamese Space Law.

Vietnam is mobilizing and effectively utilizing all resources for the development of space science and technology in the spirit of “three contributions: contributions from the State, contributions from businesses, and contributions from research institutes, universities, and scientists”; focusing on promoting linkages between research institutes, universities, and businesses; strengthening public-private partnerships; and gradually forming a market for satellite data services and an ecosystem for applying space technology in Vietnam.

According to the Prime Minister, Vietnam continues to develop and implement major programs and projects on the development of national space science and technology, focusing on improving Earth observation capabilities, developing a shared satellite data infrastructure, and enhancing real-time analysis, warning, and operational support capabilities. The development of high-quality human resources in space science and technology focuses on training personnel in systems, operation, data, and information security.

The Head of Government instructed the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to continue organizing and operating the Vietnam Space Center efficiently, safely, professionally, and sustainably; to comprehensively develop the functions of research, integration, testing, operation, data exploitation, training, and technology transfer; and to make the Center a true core national capacity infrastructure in the field of space science and technology.

Regarding strengthening international cooperation in space science and technology, particularly exploiting the potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to further concretize the major orientations of the two countries’ high-level leaders into specific programs, plans, agreements, and cooperation projects in the field of space; clearly define the focal points, roadmap, responsibilities, and outputs, ensuring that cooperation is substantive and yields measurable results. Focus on promoting cooperation in areas where both sides have complementary needs and strengths, especially in training high-quality human resources, technology transfer, satellite operation and exploitation, development of remote sensing applications, data processing and analysis, development of technical standards, and the development of a space industry ecosystem.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for close coordination to launch the LOTUSat-1 satellite by the end of 2027 and to operate it effectively; while also expanding cooperation towards building long-term capacity for Vietnam in Earth observation, satellite data applications, and gradually developing small satellite systems.

Ministries, agencies, research institutes, universities, and businesses of both countries need to strengthen connections; encouraging businesses from both sides to participate more deeply in the space industry value chain. Both sides should continue to promote the role of dialogue mechanisms, forums, and bilateral, regional, and international cooperation programs to further deepen Vietnam-Japan cooperation in the field of space.

The Prime Minister stated that Vietnam will continue to create even more favorable conditions for international organizations, development partners, and domestic and foreign business communities to support and collaborate with Vietnam in developing space science and technology in the spirit of “three pushes” and “three together”.

This includes the “3 areas of strengthening”: strengthening cooperation, sharing experiences, and policy consultation; strengthening financial and technical support; and strengthening training and human resource development. The “3 areas of working together” are: listening and understanding between businesses, the government, and the people; sharing a vision and actions to cooperate and support each other for rapid and sustainable development; working together, winning together, enjoying together, and developing together; and sharing joy, happiness, and pride.

The Prime Minister hopes and believes that, with the attention and guidance of the Party, State, Government, and General Secretary To Lam; with the determination of ministries, sectors, and localities; the efforts of cadres, scientists, and engineers; and the close cooperation of Japanese partners and international friends, the Vietnam Space Center will become a strategic “launching pad”; Vietnam’s space science and technology sector will soar high, far, and advance rapidly into space, making increasingly practical contributions to the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland in the new era of development, becoming rich, civilized, prosperous, happy, and steadily advancing towards Socialism.

The leading space science and technology center in Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the inauguration ceremony of the Vietnam Space Center at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA.

Earlier that morning, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Vietnam Space Center – the first high-tech science and technology project implemented with ODA loan capital from the Japanese Government, with a total investment of over 7,000 billion VND on an area of ​​9 hectares.

The project includes items such as: the Operations Center; the Satellite Data Exploitation and Application Center; the Satellite Research and Development Center and the Processing Center; the Ground System with a 9.3m diameter antenna; the Center for Human Resource Development and Space Technology Transfer at 18 Hoang Quoc Viet; the Space Museum; the Multimedia Center; the International Guest House; the Nha Trang Observatory… all of which have been completed and put into use, creating a foundation for satellite operation, data acquisition and processing, application development, and training.

The project has two main objectives: to build infrastructure to receive the transfer of Earth observation satellite technology, including training personnel and manufacturing and launching the LOTUSat-1 satellite; and to enhance the capacity for disaster prevention, climate change response, resource management, and environmental monitoring through remote sensing data, serving socio-economic development and national security.

Currently, the project has completed the entire basic satellite training component in Japan with 36 Master’s students in Space Technology; simultaneously, it designed and manufactured one experimental MicroDragon satellite, which was successfully launched into space by the Epsilon-4 rocket in early 2019. Regarding the LOTUSat-1 satellite, the manufacturing, installation, and handover of the ground system have been completed, and the operating personnel have been trained, ready for the operational, exploitation, and application development phase.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/phat-trien-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-vu-tru-dong-gop-thiet-thuc-cho-phat-trien-dat-nuoc-20260313122000478.htm