Vietnam constructs space centre by 2018

19 November 2011: Vietnam will build a space centre by 2018 for which it will spend over $600 million (approx Rs 3,072 crore) . Under the plan, the Vietnam Space Centre, covering an area of nine hectares at Hoa Lac High-tech Park in Hanoi, will specialise in researching and producing small satellites to be used in domestic weather forecast, geodesy, exploration, radio- television broadcast and rescue. The project will be implemented by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology ( VAST) with design and construction support from Japan. Once the project is over, Vietnam will own the most advanced space science and technology research and training centre in Southeast Asia. The country is expected to reduce 10 percent of damages caused by natural disasters and is able to design and produce small satellites for the earth observance. Vietnam and Japan have potential for long-term cooperation in remote sensing and application and development of small satellites, said Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Director Tetsuo Tanaka during STI's 5th anniversary celebrations.

Source: Economic Times