NEC Corp. will offer an earth observation satellite system to Vietnam in what will be the first export of its kind by the Japanese electronics and information technology company.

In a project worth about 20 billion yen ($186 million), the satellite will be launched around 2023 and contribute to measures against natural disasters and climate change in the Southeast Asian country.

It is the first satellite project by a Japanese company using official development assistance funds from the government-backed Japan International Cooperation Agency.

According to NEC, the project also includes the development of a ground system comprising a 9 meter-diameter parabolic antenna and satellite control center, among others, as well as local human resources related to satellite operations and data analysis.

Training of local personnel is expected to contribute to enhancing monitoring capabilities and the ability to forecast natural disasters.

The ground system will be installed at a space center in Hoa Lac, a high-tech park outside Hanoi, and operated by the Vietnam National Space Center.

Modeled after NEC's radar observation satellite that is currently in operation, the "LOTUSat-1" Earth observation satellite is capable of capturing high-definition earth images under all climate conditions, both day and night.

The new 580-kilogram satellite will be placed on Sun-synchronous sub-recurrent orbit.

==Kyodo

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