SGAC Vietnam

National Points of Contact
Vietnam

Welcome to SGAC Vietnam! Chào mừng đến với Việt Nam!

Our country’s first space activity dates back to 1980 with cosmonaut Pham Tuan’s flight to Salyut 6 station as part of the Intercosmos program, being the first Asian in space. However, until 2007, the Vietnamese government made a step forward with the establishment of the Space Technology Institute (STI), and Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC) in 2011. Space development in Vietnam is still developing, but we are looking to become a major player and trustworthy cooperator in the region.

In general, space development in Vietnam is still at its beginning, but SGAC Vietnam has been working hard to raise public awareness on the importance and potential of space, especially the youth! If we have sparked your interest, come join us!

Young Space Activities Overview in Vietnam

Aside from SGAC, there are a number of amateur astronomy clubs in various cities including Hanoi, Danang, Hochiminh, and so on. In those clubs, many young members learn how to build and use telescopes, learn about star gazing, performing simple astronomy experiments like measuring the Earth’s radius and astrophotography. Water rocket launching is also very popular and keeps attracting more and more people. Space Technology Institute also cooperated with various hi-school all around the country to organize Space Education programs for students, especially annual Water Rocket Event attracted a lot of attention of the students. Every year, Recontres Du Vietnam which is founded by Prof Tran Thanh Van, organizes annual high-level series of conferences to meet with top scientists, especially in Astrophysics, and space application. The conferences are also opened for foreign students and professors. University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, founded by the cooperation between Vietnamese Government and French Government, is the first university in Vietnam which trains about Space program in Bachelor and Master degree. Vietnam National Satellite Center (VNSC) has strong relations with other Space agency to bring more interesting Space Competition to Vietnam. In 2017, VNSC successfully organized the Cansat competition for students. The winner belonged to a group of student from University of Science and Technology of Hanoi. Besides that, at the end of 2017, VNSC will open the first and biggest National Space Museum. Visit the museum, viewers will get the view about the universe, the history of public works of the world. Last but not least, our Vietnam National Space Center is running for the host of IAC 2020.

Visit and support us!

Country-Specific Events in 2017

16 March – 19 August – Recontres Du Vietnam

12 April – Yuri’s Night , Hanoi, Danang and Hochiminh city: This international celebration is held on 12 April every year with the aim to increase public interest in space exploration and to inspire a new generation of explorers will be held in Hanoi, Danang and Hochiminh city. Come and join us!

4-10 October World Space Week: The event will be commemorated in many cities throughout Vietnam including Hanoi, Danang, Hochiminh city and many more. There are many activities during WSW such as talks and presentations on space topics, introductions on telescope making, water rocket launching competition, star gazing and more.
USTH Space Day organized by University of Science and Technology of Hanoi(USTH).
USTH is the first university in Vietnam has Space Science department. This event was held by USTH’s students in cooperating with other Science instituted inside Vietnam Academic Science and Technology.

Country-Specific Events in 2023

Vietnam hosted its first NASA Space Week in June 2023, marking a significant milestone as the first Southeast Asian country to do so. The event was a collaboration between NASA and several local organizations, aiming to inspire the next generation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Event Highlights:

  1. Locations and Dates:

    • Hau Giang Province: June 5-6
    • Ho Chi Minh City: June 7
    • Binh Dinh Province: June 8-9

  2. Activities:

    • Educational and experiential activities designed to promote creative thinking among young people.
    • Career orientation programs and fun experiences to spark interest in space science and technology.
    • Talks and interactive sessions with former NASA astronauts, providing insights into space exploration and STEM careers.

  3. Goals:

    • To showcase NASA’s achievements in space exploration and technological innovation.
    • To foster international cooperation in space activities.
    • To inspire young Vietnamese students and nurture their interest in pursuing careers in space and related fields.

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in Vietnam

Groups, People

DAC – Astronomy club in the Middle region
Hanoi Amateur Astronomy Society (HAS) – Astronomy club in the North region
Hochiminh Amateur Astronomy Club (HAAC) – Astronomy club in the South region
Polytechnic Astronomy Club (PAC)
Vietnam Astronomy
Vietnam Astrophysics
Vietnam Water Missle

Institutions

Space Technology Institute (STI)
Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC)
Vietnam Aerospace Association (VASA)
FPT Technology Research Institute (FTRI)
University of Science and Technology of Hanoi