Participants in the forum include almost 100 Vietnamese scientists and over 150 representatives and officials from across the region, as well as the world’s leading space agencies, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the US’s National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

According to Chau Van Minh, President of the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam’s hosting of the forum forms part of its strategy for the research and utilisation of space technology until 2020, under which the country is seeking to develop its capacity in the field by strengthening its level of cooperation at specific international organisations and forums.

Under the theme of “Space Technology for Sustainable Development,” the APRSAF-15 is focusing on the application of space technology in natural disaster prevention, environmental protection, satellite communication and the raising of public awareness of space science.

The forum’s agenda includes competitions for students with an interest in space science, such as a Poster Contest and a Water Rocket Competition.

APRSAF was established in 1993 to enhance the development of regional countries’ space programme and to exchange views regarding future cooperation in space activities across the Asia-Pacific region.

The annual forum is organised under the sponsorship of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).