VietNamNet Bridge – In Japan’s satellite project No. 2, named RISESAT, Vietnam’s FPT Technology Research Institute will manufacture electronic devices to control observing cameras with resolution of 5m/pixels.

Vietnamese enterprise successfully manufactures picosatellite

Two professors from two Japanese universities – Tohoky and Hokkaido have met with experts of the FPT Technology Research Institute, the Vietnam Institute for Space Technology, and the Hanoi National University to discuss cooperation opportunities to manufacture and apply small satellites (50kg – RISESAT), which carry observing cameras of 5m/pixels.

Experts said that apart from taking photos of interested locations, RISESAT can be used to observe the development of crops, the change of forests, etc.

Technologically, the FPT Technology Research Institute proposed to design and manufacture electric devices to control the cameras on this satellite.

Japanese experts paid a visit to the institute’s FSpace center, where the F-1 small satellite project is underway.

The FPT Technology Research Institute, FPT University, and the Space Robotics Laboratory of Tohoku University signed a memorandum of understanding on Vietnam’s participation in manufacturing cameras for the RISESAT satellite.

RISESAT is scheduled for launching in late 2013 and Vietnam will be allowed to use the satellite, equivalent to its contribution to this project.

Last year the Japanese Government began to implement the "Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology", to boost research and development of advanced technology, including $40 million for microsatellites (less than 50kg). The microsatellite program was assigned to Japanese universities.

A new trend has been formed in the world: gradually replacing big satellites (hundreds of kilos or tons in weight) by microsatellites to reduce manufacturing and launching spending. Japanese universities expect to manufacture five microsatellites in four years, 2010-2013.

In the microsatellite project No. 2, or RISESAT, Japan wants to have the participation of foreign partners.

PV