Airbus Defence and Space, the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) have signed a new Declaration of Intent aimed at enhancing their cooperation in Earth observation. This move builds on the successful launch and operation of Vietnam’s VNREDSat-1 satellite.
The agreement was formalized in Hanoi during an official state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, with Vietnamese President Lương Cường in attendance. It highlights a shared goal to develop new Earth observation satellite systems to support Vietnam’s environmental initiatives, including efforts to combat climate change, respond to natural disasters, and manage resources sustainably.
The collaboration will focus on ensuring the continued performance of VNREDSat-1 and will also explore the development of future satellite missions. These initiatives will draw on advanced technology from CNES and Airbus, particularly from the CO3D satellite constellation.
A key part of the agreement includes the design of a technology transfer and training programme to support Vietnam’s space industry. This initiative aims to develop local expertise and build long-term capabilities within the country.
Stéphane Vesval, Senior Vice President of Sales for Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the importance of the agreement: “This continued partnership demonstrates our commitment to building strong, sovereign capabilities and delivering benefits to society. We are honored to support Vietnam in its ambition to become a prominent player in the region’s space sector.”
Beyond satellite development, CNES and VAST also plan to broaden their cooperation in scientific research and data sharing. This includes the creation of new applications using Earth observation data and the expansion of joint training and knowledge exchange initiatives.
VNREDSat-1, launched by Airbus in 2013, has significantly outlasted its expected mission duration. Operated by VAST, the satellite has provided valuable data for research, environmental monitoring, and disaster management—marking a key step in Vietnam’s advancement in space technology.
