On June 11, during his official bilateral visit to France, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with executives from several leading French and European corporations, including Thales, one of the world’s foremost technology groups.

Thales, which employs over 81,000 people globally, is a leader in digital and deep tech solutions such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), positioning technologies, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. The group has been present in Vietnam since 1994.

During the meeting, Thales proposed satellite cooperation projects, notably the VINASAT-3 telecommunications satellite, and confirmed its intention to collaborate with the French Ministry of Finance regarding the satellite sector and other areas highlighted by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The Prime Minister emphasized that space exploration is a key pillar of Vietnam’s national development strategy and encouraged Thales to coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology and VNPT to ensure transparent and fair competition, while also honoring the strong diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and France.

Last year, the Ministry of Information and Communications (now merged under the Ministry of Science and Technology) instructed the Radio Frequency Department and VNPT to submit a plan for launching a new satellite to replace VINASAT-1, which has reached the end of its design life.

The satellite launch is seen as critical for national security, and VNPT has been designated to implement the project. The ministry has pledged to assist VNPT in overcoming challenges related to the launch.

VINASAT-1 was successfully launched on April 19, 2008, marking Vietnam’s assertion of satellite sovereignty. Built by U.S.-based Lockheed Martin and launched aboard France’s Ariane-5 rocket, the satellite was placed at the 132°E orbital slot. It cost around USD 300 million and was designed for a 15-year lifespan, which ended in 2023. VNPT had projected capital recovery within 10 years.

Despite reaching the end of its expected life, VINASAT-1 may continue operating for another five years. However, a telecommunications frequency expert noted that planning for a replacement satellite must begin now, as continued reliability cannot be guaranteed.

“Normally, when leasing satellite bandwidth, clients demand that at least 30% of the satellite’s design lifespan remains. This poses a challenge for VNPT, which manages both VINASAT-1 and VINASAT-2, in marketing transmission services via satellite,” the expert explained.

On May 16, 2012, VINASAT-2 was launched with an investment of around USD 260 million. Also operated by VNPT, it features greater capacity, mass, and more transponders than its predecessor, thereby offering increased bandwidth.

In a related development, SpaceX has been informed it must establish a legal entity in Vietnam to offer satellite internet services in the country.

Thai Khang