Overview of the Conference

Cooperation between the two countries related to space technology has been implemented since 2006; starting with a cooperation agreement in examining and identifying potential cooperation in space technology development and applications signed between Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the Japan Space Agency (JAXA), updated in 2013 and followed by the “VAST and JAXA Agreement on Testing and Identifying Potential Cooperation in Space Technology Development and Applications” in 2018. From 2006 to present, the Korean Academy Lam and JAXA have implemented many cooperative activities such as: Launching "Made in Vietnam" satellites PicoDragon, NanoDragon, MicroDragon researched and developed by VAST scientists; Coordinating to organize the Asia-Pacific Aviation Forum Conference in 2008, 2013 and 2022; Sharing ALOS-2 satellite data; JAXA provides artifacts for display in the Vietnam Space Museum; Project "Space travel seed program" - AhiS; Kibo Robot Programming Competition (Kibo-RPC).

In particular, with the support of the Japanese Government, the Vietnam Space Center Project in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, with VAST as the managing agency and Vietnam Space Center as the investor, was implemented from 2011 to 2025 is a key investment project, creating a core basis for implementing research - deployment, training, application and international cooperation activities in the field of space technology. This is the largest invested science and technology project in the past 35 years. This is considered a symbol of cooperation in science and technology between the Governments of Vietnam and Japan.

Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, speaks at the Conference

Speaking at the Conference, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh emphasized that Japan is an important partner for VAST to continue promoting, expanding and diversifying cooperation directions to develop the space technology industry in Vietnam more comprehensively after having basic conditions. In addition, the "Strategy for the development and application of space science and technology until 2030", signed and promulgated by the Prime Minister on February 4, 2021, paves the way for scientific development and space technology in the new period, with very specific tasks such as: perfecting institutions and national legal framework; scientific research and technological development; infrastructure construction, human resource development, market development, international cooperation, and raising awareness of space science and technology. The conference was organized with the goal of contributing to the implementation of the "Strategy for the development and application of space science and technology until 2030" as well as preparing for the diversification of cooperation to develop science and space science and technology in Vietnam in a comprehensive way.

Mr. YAMAKAWA Hiroshi, President of JAXA, speaks at the Conference

Mr. Yamakawa Hiroshi, President of JAXA, expressed his joy at the achievements of the two countries in the field of space science and technology in recent times, and affirmed that JAXA will continue to support VAST in researching and developing space technology, especially JAXA will support VAST in effectively exploiting data from the upcoming LOTUSat-1 satellite as well as effectively operating the Vietnam National Space Center, thereby contributing to tightening good and sustainable diplomatic relations of the two countries. This conference is also a reaffirmation of the Vietnam - Japan cooperation relationship so far in the field of space, the close cooperation between the two sides is a launching pad to realize new dreams for the next 50 years. 

Associate Professor, PhD. Pham Anh Tuan, General Director of Vietnam National Space Center, reviews important milestones in Vietnam - Japan cooperation in space technology and applications

Mr. Sugano Yuichi, -Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Vietnam (JICA) (left) and Mr. Nobuta Tetsuhiro, Counselor of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam (right) speak at the Conference

Mr. Sugano Yuichi, - Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Vietnam (JICA), and Mr. Nobuta Tetsuhiro, Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, pledged to continue to assist and support the cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Japan in the field of space technology in the coming time. The achievements will be a solid foundation for friendly cooperation between the two countries in the future.

On this occasion, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh awarded VAST's medal to Prof. Dr. Yamakawa Hiroshi for his many contributions to the construction and development of VAST.

Awarding VAST commemorative medals

The workshop was divided into sessions and discussions with the following topics: (1) Capacity development; (2) National policy; (3) Space industry - current status and future trends; (4) Raise the wings of the young generation's dream of developing space technology. Also within the framework of the Conference, delegates visited the exhibition and visited the Vietnam Space Center in Hoa Lac.

Some other photos within the framework of the Conference:

Translated by Quoc Khanh
Link to Vietnamese version