VUSTA works with Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC)
On March 20, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) paid a visit and participated in a scientific exchange at the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC), under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. This meaningful activity aimed to strengthen connections between VUSTA’s experts and intellectuals and one of the country’s leading high-tech research institutions.
The delegation included members of the Standing Committee of the VUSTA Presidium: VUSTA President Prof. Dr. Sc. Phan Xuan Dung; Vice Presidents Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Ngọc Linh and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Quang Thao; Secretary General Nguyen Quyet Chien; staff of the VUSTA and representatives from several member associations and affiliated units of VUSTA.
Notably, the visit was honored by the presence of Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, Secretary of the Party Committee of VUSTA, and Prof. Acad. Đang Vu Minh, Honorary President of VUSTA - two distinguished scientists who have made significant contributions to laying the foundation for and advancing space technology as a strategic sector of the nation. Both previously served as Presidents of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. Prof. Acad. Đang Vu Minh played a pioneering role in initiating the Strategy for Research and Application of Space Technology towards 2020. Building upon that foundation, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh has provided direct leadership and dedicated substantial efforts to the investment and development of the Vietnam National Space Center, bringing it into reality with its current modern scale.
The VUSTA delegation took a commemorative photo at the Vietnam Space Museum.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by the leaders, officials, and staff of the Vietnam National Space Center. During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to directly experience the Center’s most advanced facilities. These included the Space Museum, which preserves and showcases key historical milestones, satellite models, and the achievements of Vietnam’s space sector. The delegation also attended a screening at the planetarium, equipped with state-of-the-art projection technology, delegates were offered an immersive and vividly realistic experience of outer space. At the Satellite Control Center, the delegation observed firsthand the operational area, where satellite signals are monitored and remote sensing data is processed to serve national needs.
The VUSTA delegation experienced firsthand the exhibits inside the Vietnam Space Museum
Delivering remarks at the working session, VUSTA President Prof. Dr. Sc. Phan Xuan Dung emphasized that the Vietnam National Space Center represents a strategic investment model, reflecting the Party’s and the State’s long-term vision and special attention to high technology and space science. He commended the Center’s notable efforts and achievements over the past years. In just around 15 years since its establishment, the Center has attained significant milestones, particularly the successful research and development of Earth observation satellites serving socio-economic development as well as national defense and security. These accomplishments demonstrate the remarkable intellect and dedication of the country’s scientific and technological community. He further stressed that Vietnam’s achievements in satellite technology are a shared source of pride for the intellectual community, serving as a testament to the nation’s determination, creativity, and aspiration to reach new heights. Space technology is not only a priority area supported by the Party and the State in pursuit of scientific independence and advancement in high technology, but also an inherently fascinating field. The Vietnam National Space Center is playing an inspiring role, encouraging younger generations to pursue careers in space technology, thereby contributing to national development and strengthening national sovereignty and security. On behalf of VUSTA’s leadership, President Phan Xuan Dung extended best wishes to the VNSC team for continued success in meeting the expectations entrusted by the Party, the State, and the people.
VUSTA President Prof. Dr. Sc. Phan Xuan Dung addressing the session
Leaders of VUSTA presented commemorative gifts to the leaders, staff, and research personnel of the VNSC.
Within the framework of the scientific session held at the Center’s hall, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director General of the VNSC, delivered an overview of the global role of space, the establishment and development of the Center, as well as its future strategic orientations. He also highlighted the contributions of leading scientists to the development of Vietnam’s space sector and to the VNSC in particular.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan noted that space technology has long been a symbol of national strength and advanced technological capability, while contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals. Today, space is recognized as one of the five key domains in which national sovereignty and interests must be safeguarded (alongside land, airspace, maritime areas, and cyberspace). In the context of accelerating commercialization and the emergence of a global “space economy,” Vietnam has identified Earth observation satellite development as a strategic priority. This direction aims to maximize the use of space-based data to address practical socio-economic challenges domestically.
He further emphasized that a significant source of encouragement for the advancement of space technology is the issuance of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW in 2025, which, for the first time, designates space technology as a strategic technology sector, with remote sensing satellites identified as strategic technological products. From its early stages of development, the Vietnam National Space Center has defined four core technological pillars: satellite technology, space science, space technology applications, and education and public outreach.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director General of the Vietnam National Space Center
The leader of the Center shared that the visit by the VUSTA delegation served as a significant source of encouragement for its research staff. He also proposed that VUSTA continue to play its role as a vital bridge between the intellectual and scientific community and policy-making bodies, thereby contributing to the improvement of mechanisms and policies for the development of the space technology sector, particularly those aimed at nurturing and advancing high-quality human resources. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan further expressed his expectation for the early establishment of a National Program to promote public awareness and dissemination of knowledge on the benefits of space science and technology, as well as STEM education.
The discussion session featured a range of contributions from representatives of VUSTA’s member associations. The delegates focused on exploring the application of space technologies, particularly satellite imagery data, across various sectors such as agriculture, natural resource and environmental management, disaster prevention and mitigation, and urban planning.
The visit and scientific exchange at the VNSC left a strong impression on all delegates, reaffirming VUSTA’s pivotal role as a “bridge of intellectuals” in advancing the multi-sectoral application of space technology in daily life. It also opened up promising prospects for strategic cooperation between VUSTA and the VNSC, with a shared vision of harnessing space science to effectively support the country’s sustainable development.
Overview of the session
The VUSTA delegation took commemorative photographs at the campus of the Vietnam National Space Center
