Reaching for Orbit: From Space Aspirations to the Journey of Nation Building

In the country's innovation flow, science and technology have always been identified by the Party and State as the central driving force. In particular, Resolution 57-NQ/TW and recent decisions of the Government have emphasized: Space technology, including low-orbit satellites, is a strategic product, one of the pillars ensuring independence and autonomy, while enhancing national competitiveness.

LOTUSat-1 - 'Made in Vietnam' milestone on the space map

The focus of the dialogue program “Building the country - Proud of Vietnam” is the LOTUSat-1 project, a radar satellite that can observe the Earth through clouds and at night, designed, integrated and operated directly by a team of Vietnamese engineers. LOTUSat-1 is not a fantasy dream, but a real step.

The receiving station and data processing system located in Hoa Lac have been completed, just waiting for the time to launch into orbit so that the first radar data streams can flow back, serving simultaneously agriculture , environment, and national security.

While in the past Vietnam had to buy satellite data from abroad at high cost and with high latency, with LOTUSat-1, we can proactively exploit it, reduce dependence, and save national resources. Each satellite image is an “eye” that shines on every field, every river, every city, serving closely the lives of the people.

Expert perspective: The journey is not paved with roses

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, who directly participated in the project, shared in the program: To have LOTUSat-1, Vietnamese engineers had to overcome a series of challenges. Limited financial resources, thin technical staff, strict international inspection procedures... all were seemingly difficult barriers to overcome. But with will, perseverance and a spirit of learning, they proved: Vietnamese people can completely master space radar technology.

What impressed the audience were the specific applications that LOTUSat-1 brought. Space technology is not far away but exists in every immediate need: From hourly flood maps for the authorities to promptly evacuate people in the Central region, to soil moisture data for agricultural cultivation, wind and wave information to support fishermen to go offshore safely, and the ability to monitor the territory to contribute to ensuring national defense and security. Each of these benefits directly improves the quality of life, saves costs and time, and helps Vietnam confidently integrate into the international community in a proactive manner.

What remains after the program is not only the pride of a “Made in Vietnam” satellite, but also the affirmation that Vietnam can master and rise up in the most difficult fields. LOTUSat-1 is a symbol of the journey from aspiration to action, from dream to concrete project, paving the way for the goal of building a national space industry and realizing the vision of 2045, Vietnam becoming a developed, high-income country.

The dialogue program “Building the country - Proud of Vietnam” is expected to be broadcast weekly on the Government Electronic Information Portal, organized by VCCorp Joint Stock Company in coordination with Ho Chi Minh City Television. The program hopes to ignite the belief and aspiration in the young generation: to study, research and contribute to continue creating new marks, contributing to building a strong, self-reliant and proud Vietnam.

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/vuon-toi-quy-dao-tu-khat-vong-khong-gian-den-hanh-trinh-kien-tao-dat-nuoc-102250821152104482.htm