Vietnam Inaugurates Space Centre, Launches Vietnam–Japan Space Vision Forum 2026

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer:Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Friday attended the opening of the Vietnam–Japan Space Vision Forum 2026 and inaugurated the Vietnam Space Centre at Hòa Lạc Hi-Tech Park, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its capabilities in space science and technology.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the guiding principle of Vietnam’s space strategy: “Explore space – Master technology – Strengthen cooperation – Ensure sustainable development – Promote peaceful space.” He noted that as Vietnam enters a new stage of development characterised by long-term vision, bold thinking and ambitious action, the inauguration of the Vietnam Space Centre and the organisation of the forum represent an important step forward for the country’s space sector.

The forum, held from March 12 to 15, is expected to deepen cooperation between Vietnam and Japan while opening a new chapter in the development of Vietnam’s space science and technology. Chính described the Vietnam Space Centre as a modern infrastructure complex with technological capabilities among the most advanced in Southeast Asia.

The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation to the Government, organisations and enterprises of Japan for their support and partnership in developing the project, noting that such cooperation provides a strong foundation for both countries to reach new heights for national prosperity and contribute to peace and development in the region and globally.

Discussion sessions at the forum focus on key topics such as satellite data applications for disaster prevention and climate change response, maritime monitoring and marine economy development, smart agriculture, natural resource and environmental management, and the standardisation and security of space data. The event also features a Vietnam–Japan space technology exhibition and an “Explore Space” exhibition.

Officials from Japan, including Hiroyuki Hatada of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japanese Ambassador ITO Naoki, reaffirmed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World between the two countries continues to strengthen. They emphasised that cooperation in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation—particularly in space science and technology—is vital for sustainable development.

Japan also reiterated its commitment to expanding cooperation with Vietnam in the peaceful use of space technology for socio-economic development, disaster prevention and climate change response.

Prime Minister Chính stressed the importance of close coordination to launch the LOTUSat-1 satellite by the end of 2027 and ensure its effective utilisation. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to the peaceful development of outer space in accordance with United Nations conventions and international law, serving sustainable development while ensuring national independence, self-reliance and international cooperation.

The Prime Minister said Vietnam is continuing to implement major national programmes in space science and technology, focusing on improving Earth observation capabilities, developing shared satellite data infrastructure and strengthening real-time monitoring and early warning systems.

Vietnam aims to reach a moderately advanced level of space science and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030 and to achieve greater national self-reliance in satellite technology and space data applications after 2030.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Vietnam Space Centre, the country’s first high-tech scientific project funded through Japanese government ODA loans, with total investment exceeding VNĐ7 trillion (approximately US$274 million).

The 9-hectare complex includes an operations centre, satellite data exploitation and application centre, satellite research and development facilities, a ground station with a 9.3-metre antenna, a technology transfer and human resource development centre, a space museum, a multimedia centre, an international guest house and the Nha Trang Observatory.

The project is designed to support the transfer of Earth observation satellite technology, including training personnel, manufacturing and launching the LOTUSat-1 satellite, and enhancing Vietnam’s capacity for disaster prevention, climate monitoring, natural resource management and environmental protection through remote sensing data.

The programme has already trained 36 Masters of Space Technology in Japan and developed the MicroDragon experimental satellite, which was successfully launched in early 2019. The LOTUSat-1 satellite has now been fully manufactured, with its ground system installed and operational teams trained, preparing the project for the next phase of operations and applications.