NEC inks deal to supply Earth observation satellite to Vietnam

NEC Corporation, a Japanese multinational electronics and information technology company, has reportedly inked a deal with Sumitomo Corporation to manufacture and launch the "LOTUSat-1" Earth observation satellite for the Vietnamese government.

As per sources familiar with the knowledge of the matter, the deal is expected to be worth around 20 billion yen. The company will also develop a ground system and local human capacity building programs associated with the satellite development process. This satellite will help the Vietnam government to take proactive measures against climate change and natural disasters. It is the first satellite system that NES will deliver outside of Japan and expected to launch in the year 2023.

Sources cite that the satellite will be equipped with SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and be based on NEXTAR, a satellite system that leverages NEC's extensive expertise and enables rapid delivery time, high functionality, and reduced costs.

LOTUSat-1 can capture earth images with high definition under all climatic circumstances in a day as well as night. The images obtained from LOTUSat-1 will provide timely and accurate information for reducing the influence of climate change and natural disasters.

Reportedly, NEC will deliver a complete ground system including a satellite control center, 9 meter-diameter parabolic antenna, mission data utilizer center, and user interface that is based on the company’s "GroundNEXTAR" software package. The company will install the system at a              Hoa Lac based space center which being operated by the Vietnam National Space Centre.

Moreover, the company will provide satellite development and operation processes training to aid the development of local human resources. It will further improve the monitoring capabilities and ability to predict natural disasters.

It is the first satellite project by Japan-based company that uses ODA (Official Development Assistance) from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) under its STEP (special terms for economic partnership) program.

Source Credit -https://www.nec.com/en/press/202004/global_20200423_02.html