VietNamNet Bridge – VNREDSat-1 – the first earth observation satellite of Vietnam will be launched into space from a French launching pad early next month.
The launching of VNREDSat-1 is scheduled at 9h06am on May 3 in Hanoi time, from the Kourou launching site, Guiana, by a Vega rocket, announced the small satellite project management board yesterday.
The satellite is designed and manufactured by the EADS Astrium Company of the European Defense Aerospace Corporation (EADS,) which is specialized in manufacturing and designing satellites.
The VNREDSat-1 project has a total investment of about $70 million, using ODA loans of the French Government and reciprocal funding of Vietnam.
VNREDSat-1 is the earth observation optical satellite that can take photo of the entire areas on the earth’s surface. The satellite is 600 mm x 570 mm x 500 mm in size, weighing about 120 kg. Its designed life expectancy is five years.
With this satellite, Vietnam will be able to actively provide satellite images of high resolution for local agencies, bringing practical benefits for economic – social development, responding to natural disasters and climate change.
Na Son