Vietnam proactively develops micro-satellites: Gradually mastering core technologies.

Research, development, and testing of thermal-structural models, central computing, and information systems for micro-class satellites, being carried out by Dr. Le Xuan Huy, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Center, and his colleagues, are expected to create a significant breakthrough, contributing to the development of a line of Earth observation satellites designed and manufactured by Vietnam.

Currently, the development of small satellites is reshaping the global space industry. Low cost, rapid development time, and the ability to test new technologies are making microsatellites the preferred choice for many countries. Meanwhile, Vietnam remains significantly dependent on foreign satellite data sources.

VNREDSat-1 – the current flagship optical satellite – has operated well beyond its designed lifespan and could cease operation at any time. This poses a risk of disrupting data sources used for monitoring resources and the environment, agriculture , urban areas, disaster prevention, as well as serving certain national security and defense requirements.

"If we don't prepare a replacement line of satellites that are domestically produced, we will be at a disadvantage in terms of both data and costs," said Dr. Le Xuan Huy.

Designing printed circuit boards for a central control computer.

Since February 2025, Dr. Huy and his colleagues have been implementing the project "Research, development, and testing of thermal-structural models, central computers, and communication systems for micro-class satellites." The project's three main directions include building a design-integration-testing platform for micro-class satellites weighing approximately 50 kg; researching, fabricating, and testing on the ground core subsystems such as the central control computer and S-band communication system with the goal of achieving TRL 4–5; and developing a standard satellite prototype capable of flexible reuse for remote sensing missions and technology testing.

According to Dr. Huy, the key new aspect of the research is that it no longer stops at assembling according to foreign designs, but begins to design its own subsystems that previously had to be purchased as complete packages. "We want to gradually master the core technologies – the ones that determine a satellite's true self-reliance," he said.

The two key subsystems developed by the team are the central control computer, responsible for command processing, monitoring, and data distribution, and the S-band communication system, which utilizes a software-defined radio (SDR) approach, enabling flexibility in transmission and reception and easy software upgrades without hardware changes. The project also opens avenues for research into electric propulsion systems for small satellites, facilitating precise orbital adjustments in future versions.

Addressing the challenge step by step.

Sharing the challenges in the research process, Dr. Huy said that based primarily on foreign designs, Vietnamese scientists had to design the hardware, software, and verification processes themselves. The international standard testing infrastructure is still being perfected, while the reliability requirements for the satellite are very high due to its operation in the harsh environment of space. Furthermore, system integration requires many subsystems developed by different teams, but they must operate smoothly on the same platform.

Designing a thermal structural model for the MicroDragon-2 satellite.

To address this, the research team chose a modular design to reduce development and upgrade risks; used a common hardware architecture coupled with a real-time operating system developed by the team to ensure safety and security; applied SDR to the information system for easy updates; combined international testing standards with independent tests abroad; and linked research with training through cooperation between VNSC and universities.

“Satellite development is not just a technological challenge, but also a human resources challenge. We want to create a team of engineers with practical experience, ready for large-scale projects in the future,” Dr. Huy shared.

If completed as planned, the project will yield design documentation and thermal-structural models of micro-satellites; a prototype central control computer and S-band communication system capable of reconfiguration and use for various missions at appropriate TRL levels; and a foundation for more proactive development of subsequent versions of the MicroDragon series, shortening timelines and reducing costs.

From an application perspective, when equipped with optical sensors with a resolution of less than 5 meters, the micro-satellite developed by Vietnam can increase the frequency of observation of forests, agriculture, urban areas, coastlines, and areas frequently affected by natural disasters. Combined with other satellite data sources, Vietnam will have a more complete and synchronized picture of resources and the environment nationwide. In the long term, the standard satellite model can also carry payloads for testing new technologies, low-altitude communication, or scientific sensors, opening up opportunities for deeper participation in the regional space industry value chain.

Thu Huong

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/viet-nam-chu-dong-phat-trien-ve-tinh-micro-tung-buoc-lam-chu-cong-nghe-loi.html