Vietnam’s First Radar Satellite LOTUSat-1 Ready for Orbit, Set to Revolutionize Earth Observation

Vietnam’s first radar earth observation satellite LOTUSat-1 has been successfully developed and is prepared for launch. The satellite produced under the joint efforts of the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC) and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation is a major milestone for the nation’s space program. Financed by a special loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project is based on a deal signed between both nations in 2019.

LOTUSat-1 has a weight of 600 kg and is outfitted with advanced radar technology that can pick up objects as small as one meter on the ground, offering unobstructed imaging day and night in all weather. This feature is particularly important for Vietnam and Southeast Asia, where tropical weather can hinder visibility. The data from the satellite will play a key role in disaster relief, climate change prevention, environmental monitoring and natural resource management.

Though initially targeted for launch in February 2025 the launch has been postponed as a result of Japan’s failed test launch of the Epsilon-S rocket in November 2024. The VNSC is currently in close collaboration with the Japanese partners to establish a revised launch date.

The ground system for the satellite consists of a 9.3-meter-diameter antenna and its control center that already exists at the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park. This success is one of the country’s contributions to expanding its space technology and making itself independent in terms of developing satellites.