Vietnam's first radar satellite LOTUSat-1 ready for orbit

 LOTUSat-1, Vietnam's first Earth observation satellite utilizing radar technology, has been completed, alongside the ground system at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, which is fully ready to receive data once the satellite is launched into orbit.

According to Assoc. Prof., Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director General of the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, LOTUSat-1 was originally scheduled for launch in February 2025. However, the launch has been postponed, and a new date has yet to be announced.

The VNSC is working closely with Japanese partners to determine a new timeline, ensuring that the satellite can operate stably on orbit.

Dr. Tuan highlighted that a team of Vietnamese engineers and experts has been sent to Japan to oversee the entire process of designing, assembling, and testing the satellite in a simulated environment, spanning from the launch phase to its operation in space. These efforts are vital for mastering advanced technology, gaining practical experience in large-scale industrial production, and enhancing Vietnam's expertise in this field.

In Vietnam, the ground system for LOTUSat-1 is located at the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi. It includes a 9.3-m diameter ground antenna to receive signals, a control center for satellite operations, and a data processing facility. The Vietnam National Space Center has received advanced technology from Japan to ensure the effective operation of this ground system.