Vietnam is set to launch its inaugural domestic weather satellite early next year, aimed at providing advance warnings for natural disasters.
LOTUSat-1, developed with support from Japanese engineers, is anticipated to be finalized by March, according to Le Xuan Huy, deputy general director of the Vietnam National Space Center.
The satellite is a crucial component of the Natural Disaster and Climate Change Prevention project initiated by the center.
Commencing fabrication at the center in September 2012, located in the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park in Hanoi, the satellite utilizes a sensor employing radio waves for Earth observation, operating independently of a light source.
This feature enables it to function continuously, offering a distinct advantage over optical sensor satellites restricted to daylight operation.
Huy highlighted the capability of radar satellites to capture images under various weather conditions, including cloudy, foggy, or low-light scenarios.
Weighing 600 kilograms, the satellite boasts a remarkable image resolution of one meter.
Its primary objective is to collect vital information about storms and other phenomena impacting Vietnam annually.
LOTUSat-1 will cover the entire Vietnamese landmass, contributing to a 10% reduction in damages caused by natural disasters.
To oversee satellite operations, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) inked an agreement with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) last November.
This collaborative accord serves as the foundation for both VAST and JAXA to exchange expertise in managing and utilizing LOTUSat-1 satellites in orbit, enhancing the efficiency of the Vietnam National Space Center. Moreover, it fosters scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, strengthening the recently established comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.