The European Space company Astrium on September 4 handed over the VNREDSat 1 controlling system to the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST).

The satellite, which was successfully launched into orbit on May 7, 2013, was the first of its kind in Vietnam to monitor the country’s natural resources, the environment and disasters, especially in the event of storms, floods, forest fires and oil spills.

After three months of testing, the satellite has transmitted signals to earth, meeting all technical specifications.

Addressing the handover ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan noted that the success of the project is of paramount importance not only for national sci-tech research but also in politics, socio-economic affairs, national defence and security.

It has asserted Vietnam’s sovereignty over space, he said, adding that the project marks important progress in the space technology industry after the success of Vietnam’s Vinasat 1 and Vinasat 2.

With VNREDsat-1, Vietnam has effectively mastered the small satellite technology to exploit and handle images of all regions across the country’s territory.

Bui Trong Tuyen, Vice Director of the Space Technology Institute said by September 1, the satellite had taken, transmitted and handled 9,271 images, including 999 photos on Vietnam’s territory.

Currently, VNREDSat-1 is operated by Vietnamese engineers. In July, 15 Vietnamese engineers were given certificates by Astrium company.