 A simulation of the LOTUSat-1 satellite. Source: NEC |
After the testing process, the Japanese Government will hand over management rights to Vietnam in June next year to operate the satellite for five years. The launch of LOTUSat-1 is part of the project "Prevention of natural disasters and climate change using Earth observation satellite".
VNSC is working on the installation of ground equipment to operate and transfer image data from the satellite. This work began in May 2024 and will be finished by September 2024.
LOTUSat-1, weighing 600 kg, is the latest radar technology satellite. Its advantages include detecting objects from 1 m in size on the ground and the ability to observe both day and night. It will take images and provide accurate information to help minimize the impact of natural disasters and climate change, manage resources and monitor the environment.
Fabrication of the satellite, which uses Japan's official development assistance (ODA) and Vietnam's counterpart capital, began in September 2012 at the Vietnam National Space Center, which is in the Hoa Lac Hi‑Tech Park in Hanoi.