Checking the wind direction before launching the NanoDragon satellite at the Uchinoura Space Centre in Japan's Kagoshima prefecture, Japan. (Photo: VNA)

NanoDragon was the last satellite launched into outer space by Epsilon-5, which also carried eight other small satellites of Japan. At 11:30 am, NanoDragon flew over Vietnam’s space for the first time.

Previously, at 9:55 am (local time), Epsilon-5 was successfully launched into outer space from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Japan's Kagoshima prefecture.

According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the satellites launched into outer space this time are part of JAXA's second "Innovative satellite technology demonstration" programme.

NanoDragon, a nano-layer cubesat satellite which weighs around four kilogrammes, was developed by the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. The development of the NanoDragon satellite is part of VNSC's "made in Vietnam" small satellite development roadmap.

It was delivered to Japan on August 11 and tested at the Uchinoura Space Centre from August 16-17 before being officially transferred to the JAXA for launching.

The VNSC also successfully developed the 1-kg-microsatellite PicoDragon, and the 50-kg satellite MicroDragon, which were launched into orbit in 2013 and 2019, respectively.

Launch of NanoDragon into space affirms capacity of Vietnam’s space industry: Ambassador

The launch of made-in-Vietnam satellite NanoDragon has gone into history and marked a new development milestone of Vietnam’s space industry, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam said following the successful launch on November 9 morning at the Uchinoura Space Centre in Kagoshima prefecture.

This event once again proves that Vietnam can fully master and develop its own space industry, Nam told Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Japan.

He stated that all stages in the manufacturing process of NanaDragon were carried out in Vietnam, demonstrating the development and initiative of Vietnam on the path of gradually mastering satellite manufacturing technology.

Vietnam chose Japan to launch NanoDragon because it is a partner to coordinate and support Vietnam in testing small satellites, he stated, adding that this a symbolic cooperation for the friendship and reliable relationship between the two countries within the framework of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership towards the 50th anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2023.

The diplomat also expressed his honour to be a representative of the Vietnamese Government to witness the launch at the Uchinoura Space Centre.

At 9:55am (Japan time) on November 9, the fifth Epsilon solid-fuel rocket carrying NanoDragon and eight other small satellites of Japan were successfully launched into outer space.

NanoDragon, a nano-layer cubesat satellite which weighs around four kilogrammes, was developed by the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. The development of the NanoDragon satellite is part of VNSC's "made in Vietnam" small satellite development roadmap.

It was delivered to Japan on August 11 and tested at the Uchinoura Space Centre from August 16-17 before being officially transferred to the JAXA for launching under the second "Innovative satellite technology demonstration" programme.

Previously, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) had to stop launching Epsilon-5 thrice on October 1, October 7 and November 7 due to ground radar issue, and unfavourable weather./.

Source: VNA