Vietnam’s MicroDragon satellite to enter orbit in early 2019
MicroDragon, a made-in-Vietnam earth observation satellite, will be launched into space in Japan on January 17, 2019, according to the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
Vietnamese engineers work to develop MicroDragon satellite. (Photo: )
Hanoi (VNA) – MicroDragon, a made-in-Vietnam earth observation satellite,will be launched into space in Japan on January 17, 2019, according to the VietnamNational Space Centre (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science andTechnology.
Citing an announcement of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) onNovember 3, the VNSC said MicroDragon and six Japanese satellites will belaunched by an Epsilon-4 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Centre in KagoshimaPrefecture at 9:50:20-9:59:37 (local time). MicroDragon will be separated from therocket at a height of 511 kilometres.
MicroDragon was developed by 36 Vietnamese engineers from the VNSC, who weresent to study space technology in Japan’s top five universities, namely theUniversity of Tokyo, Keio University, Hokkaido University, Tohoku Universityand Kyushu Institute of Technology. Starting manufacturing the satellite in2013, the group successfully completed and tested it in 2017.
The satellite, measuring 50x50x50 centimetersand weighing 50 kilograms, is designed to monitor the quality of water incoastal areas, locate fishery resources, and observe changes in the ocean toassist the nation’s aquaculture. Also, it will help exchange database with theMicrosatellite community in the world to enhance capacity in response toclimate change and natural disasters.
Earlier, VNSC engineers successfully made asatellite named PicoDragon (10x10x11.35 centimeters, 1 kg), which was launchedinto orbit in 2013. As scheduled, afterMicroDragon, Vietnam will make LOTUSat-1 and LOTUSat-2 satellites with advancedradar technology, each weighing 600kg and measuring 1.5×1.5×3 meters with a 5-yearlifetime in orbit.-VNA
VNA
Related News
The Government has set the goal to enhance the role the aerospace technology sector plays in the country’s general development.
Vietnam has made remarkable achievements in the field of space technology, bringing practical benefits to the country’s socio-economic development.
The Vietnam National Satellite Centre has recorded significant progress in developing human resources and operating satellite and space infrastructure projects.
Vietnam’s space industry has gained significant development in the 10 years since the launch of its first satellite Vinasat-1 (April 18, 2008)
Vietnam is working to develop its own earth observation satellite, which will help the country manage natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, a conference heard on October 18.
The incentives are also expected to attract and retain scientists and technology experts while providing enterprises with additional resources to enhance competitiveness in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, software and biotechnology.
Vietnam’s cybersecurity landscape has witnessed a notable shift in recent years. While the number of cyberattacks recorded in 2025 showed signs of decline, the proportion of organisations suffering actual damage rose to 52.3%. Cyberattacks increasingly target critical sectors, including banking, finance, energy, telecommunications, and government agencies.
Vietnam is among the fastest-growing countries within the group ranked between 21st and 50th globally in StartupBlink’s 2026 report. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hai Phong are now listed among the world’s top 1,000 startup ecosystems.
The country also aims to support at least 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in digital transformation, develop a minimum of five digital technology companies capable of competing with counterparts in advanced economies, and establish at least five operational data exchanges.
Highly valuing Bulgaria's extensive experience in operating the Kozloduy nuclear power plant and training specialised personnel, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet proposed boosting bilateral cooperation in specialist training, scientific research, and the sharing of management, operational, and nuclear safety expertise.
Dot Inc. is working with Google and an AI education partner in Vietnam to explore the deployment of assistive technologies in schools and educational institutions.
In addition to the exhibition activities, Agri & Biotech Vietnam 2026, lasting until June 12, is set to host a series of specialised forums and seminars. Topics of particular interest to businesses include farming exports, sustainable development of the pepper and spice industries, low-emission agriculture, carbon credits, the circular economy, biotechnology and innovative start-ups.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Iran Nguyen Luong Ngoc said greater understanding of each side’s strengths and potential, particularly in AI and information technology, will provide a solid foundation for expanding future cooperation.
Vietnam is pursuing a focused approach to quantum technology, rather than trying to compete head-to-head with leading technology powers across the full spectrum of quantum research.
According to the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA), cyberattacks are rising in both frequency and severity. Attackers are targeting critical infrastructure, personal data, and public services with increasingly advanced methods. This isn't just a technical glitch, but a systemic vulnerability requiring a workforce that can analyse and respond in real time.
Vietnam has identified that strategic technologies with strong spillover effects are key areas for investment and development. These technologies help enhance self-reliance, create national competitive advantages, ensure national defence and security, and promote sustainable socio-economic development
Vietnam possesses significant advantages and strong potential to emerge as a global centre for artificial intelligence (AI), according to billionaire Eric Schmidt, former Chairman and CEO of Google and former Chairman of the US National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI).
The event paired a robotics showcase with an innovation networking session, spotlighting Vietnamese companies’ research, development and technological mastery in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence.
The competition offered Vietnamese students a valuable opportunity to affirm the country’s position on the global technology stage.
Vietnam and Estonia share similar approaches to digital citizenship development, placing citizens at the centre of digital transformation and using electronic identity systems and resident databases as foundations for online public services and digital transactions.
Representing Vietnam were VinRobotics and VinDynamics, two tech subsidiaries of Vingroup. They showcased "Make in Vietnam" humanoid robots, demonstrating the country’s growing capacity to integrate into the global robotics value chain.
Quantum computers are closer than ever. The year 2026 has been internationally designated the "Year of Quantum Security" -- and the window to prepare is closing fast.
Deputy PM Ho Quoc Dung pressed ministries and agencies to rapidly convert their assigned tasks into concrete action plans with clearly defined responsibilities, and effectively launch projects that create strategic technology products capable of sharpening national competitiveness.
The portal will provide technological solutions and data infrastructure, while the service centre will facilitate system integration.
Vietnamese engineers work to develop MicroDragon satellite. (Photo: )