The 50 kg MicroDragon satellite was built by 36 Vietnamese engineers and successfully tested in 2017.
According to information from the Vietnam Space Center, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam's MicroDragon satellite will be launched this year.
Accordingly, the Epsilon (Japan), manufactured by IHI Aerospace, will carry the satellite into orbit, through the Earth Observation Satellite Support Program for the purpose of training the developing countries. development of the Japan Aerospace Agency (JAXA).
3D model of Micro Dragon satellite. Photo: National Satellite Center.
Micro Dragon is an Earth observation satellite, weighing 50 kg, size 50 x 50 x 50 cm. After launching into space, Micro Dragon is responsible for observing coastal waters to assess water quality, locate fisheries resources, monitor changes in coastal waters to serve Vietnamese aquaculture industry, according to the Government Portal.
At the same time, it will detect the cloud cover, the properties of aerosols for atmospheric correction. Micro Dragon will also record ground-sensing signals and then transfer the data quickly to distant locations on Earth.
Micro Dragon is made by 36 Vietnamese engineers, from Vietnam Universe Center, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. This is a team of engineers who study space technology in Japan. Embark on fabrication in 2013. In 2017, Micro Dragon completed and tested successfully.
"The Japanese authorities are considering licensing the Micro Dragon satellite. Once licensed, the Epsilon (Japan) built by IHI Aerospace will bring Vietnam's Micro Dragon satellite into orbit, "said Associate Professor Pham Anh Tuan, General Director of the Viet Nam Space Center. Nam said.
The roadmap for development of satellite-manufacturing project of Vietnam.
Prior to that, engineers at the Vietnam Space Center successfully built the Pico Dragon (10 x 10 x 11.35 cm in size and 1 kg in weight). The satellite was launched into orbit in November 2013 and successfully operated in space.
After Micro Dragon, Vietnam will make LOTUSat-1 and LOTUSat-2 satellite, two advanced radar satellites with a mass of 600 kg, nearly 12 times the size of the Micro Dragon, measuring 1.5 mx. 1.5 mx 3 m, exist in space for 5 years.
Technology at it's best
great