14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM
Log in
Business

Vietnam’s Micro Dragon satellite to be launched in Japan on Jan. 18

Satellite images from Micro Dragon are the basis for exchanging satellite data with Micro community in the world to enhance the ability to respond quickly to disaster and climate change activities.

The Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology said that at 7:50 (Vietnam time) on January 18 MicroDragon, a made-in-Vietnam earth observation satellite, will be launched into orbit by Epsilon rocket in Japan.
 
Micro Dragon satellite is stored in a clean room at Tokyo University. Photo: vast.ac.vn
Micro Dragon satellite is stored in a clean room at Tokyo University. Photo: vast.ac.vn
After being launched into space, the Micro Dragon satellite will be separated from the rocket and remain in the orbit. The first signals from the satellite are expected to be received in one or two days. It is expected that after a trial period of one-three months in space, Micro Dragon’s operation will become stable.

Micro Dragon satellite can locate aquatic resources, provide information about animals, zooplankton living in the sea, observe and provide information on species of fish and their size to Vietnam's aquaculture industry.

Micro Dragon is equipped with two multi-spectral cameras with adjustable liquid crystal filters, capturing in 12 spectral bands (from 412-1,020 nm), able to put out the best resolution of ground image 36x48 km resolution when the satellite operates at orbit of 500 km.

Satellite images from Micro Dragon are the basis for exchanging satellite data with Micro community in the world to enhance the ability to respond quickly to disaster and climate change activities. 

MicroDragon was developed by 36 Vietnamese engineers from the VNSC, who were sent to study space technology in Japan’s top five universities, namely the University of Tokyo, Keio University, Hokkaido University, Tohoku University and Kyushu Institute of Technology. 

Earlier, VNSC engineers successfully made a satellite named PicoDragon (10x10x11.35 centimeters, 1 kg), which was launched into orbit in November 2013. 
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Vietnam commits 3% budget to turbocharge AI and data economy

Vietnam commits 3% budget to turbocharge AI and data economy

At least 3% of state budget spending will fund digital transformation, accelerating Vietnam’s shift toward a data-driven and AI-powered economy.

From labor-intensive to high-tech: Hanoi retrains for global edge

From labor-intensive to high-tech: Hanoi retrains for global edge

Raising the skill standards of high-tech workers is emerging as a decisive factor in strengthening Hanoi’s competitiveness as the capital accelerates its shift toward a knowledge-based industrial economy.

Hanoi craft villages resume production early, aiming for growth in 2026

Hanoi craft villages resume production early, aiming for growth in 2026

After the Lunar New Year break, Hanoi’s traditional craft villages have quickly resumed production, fulfilled orders and prepared for new markets while blending heritage craftsmanship with modern technology to strengthen competitiveness and sustain growth in 2026.

Vietnam stock market poised for post-Tet gains

Vietnam stock market poised for post-Tet gains

The post-Tet period often presents attractive opportunities for investors in the following months.

Spring Fair draws 500,000 visits, elevates Vietnamese brands nationwide

Spring Fair draws 500,000 visits, elevates Vietnamese brands nationwide

Drawing large crowds and strong commercial momentum, the 2026 Spring Fair turned Hanoi into a vibrant showcase of Vietnamese products, culture and innovation, where shopping met heritage experiences and businesses forged valuable partnerships.

Firms seek clearer policy framework for new tech, digital platforms

Firms seek clearer policy framework for new tech, digital platforms

Hanoi’s tech firms are calling for clearer demand mechanisms and transparent evaluation as the city pilots its Technology Exchange and Digital Transformation Market to boost commercialization, innovation and digital growth.

Vietnam Airlines to open first nonstop Hanoi-Amsterdam route to enhance Europe ties

Vietnam Airlines to open first nonstop Hanoi-Amsterdam route to enhance Europe ties

The move aims to open a new gateway to Europe and advance the national flag carrier’s strategy to expand its European network.

Vietnamese goods reach rural areas through Tet fairs

Vietnamese goods reach rural areas through Tet fairs

Hanoi is intensifying communication and outreach for the “Vietnamese people prioritize using Vietnamese goods” campaign to boost consumption ahead of Tet, the country’s most important holiday.