VNREDSat-1: Vietnam second satellite in 2012

Space-travel reports that Vietnam plans to launch its second satellite in 2012, according to a local newspaper Tthe New Hanoi.

This is an important plan which was included in the strategy of research and application of space technology to 2020 of the country, said the newspaper.
The satellite, called VNREDSat-1, is of small size and low orbit. It will be used to monitor and take picture of the earth surface of different sizes and types and provide those pictures to centers gathering earth-surface satellite pictures.

A controlling center will be built on an area of two hectares in the Hoa Lac High-Tech Park in Hanoi.

Vietnam is expected to spend about 60 to 70 million U.S. dollars on the launching project, including expenses for manufacturing and launching satellite, building controlling center, and training human.