Vietnam's VinSpace taps SpaceX for first satellite launches
Vietnam's first private space company is turning to Elon Musk's SpaceX to get its first satellites into orbit. The deal comes as Vietnam steps up efforts to build its own space industry and become a regional space power.
Vietnam's sole private space company, VinSpace, has entered into an agreement with SpaceX to launch its inaugural satellites into orbit in 2027. The satellites will be transported aboard a mission under SpaceX's Transporter rideshare program, enabling multiple customers to share a single rocket and divide launch expenses. VinSpace plans to design, operate, and utilize the satellites in orbit to experiment with technology and lay the groundwork for forthcoming commercial services.
VinSpace's CEO, Thu Vu, emphasized the significance of dependable access to space in transforming satellite innovation into operational missions. Established in November 2025 by Vingroup, Vietnam's largest privately-held conglomerate, VinSpace is the brainchild of Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam's wealthiest individual. The conglomerate boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing real estate, retail, tourism, healthcare, and education.
Over recent years, Vingroup has progressively ventured into technology sectors, including electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, robotics, and aerospace. VinSpace's long-term aspiration is to evolve into a comprehensive aerospace enterprise, encompassing satellite design and manufacturing, launch management, satellite operations, and space-based data services.
While Vietnam has been cultivating its space capabilities for years, it remains a modest participant in the global arena. The nation launched its inaugural telecommunications satellite in 2008 and a subsequent one in 2012. The Vietnamese government has set a target of becoming a mid-tier space power in Southeast Asia by 2030, with satellite technology being an integral part of a broader initiative to foster high-tech industries.
In March, Vietnam inaugurated a substantial space science and technology center at Hanoi's Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, with the aim of augmenting domestic satellite development and the utilization of space-based data. In April, Vietnam granted SpaceX's Starlink a license for its maiden extensive trial of satellite internet, which employs thousands of low-Earth-orbit satellites to furnish high-speed connectivity.
Written by urgent.news from Deutsche Welle Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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