The MicroDragon weighs 50 kilograms and measures 50x50x50 cm, according to the Vietnam National Satellite Centre (VNSC).
The satellite has been developed by engineers at the VNSC with support provided by professors from leading Japanese universities within the framework of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s programme to promote satellite technology application in developing countries.
The MicroDragon project is the continuation of the success of the Vietnamese made PicoDragon satellite sent into space in August 2013.
The device is designed to observe ocean colour variation in order to assess coastal water quality, locate aquatic resources and monitor changes in coastal areas for aquaculture development in Vietnam, according to the VNSC.
The MicroDragon will also conduct other scientific experiments as part of its mission.
Manufacturing of the microsatellite is set to begin in September this year and take 12 months to complete.
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Vietnam’s satellite development roadmap (Credit: VNSC)
