Vietnam's aerospace newcomer VinSpace has announced that it will launch its first satellites into orbit in 2027 as part of SpaceX's Transporter mission. This was stated in the company's official statement.
According to VinSpace's statement, the satellites will be launched under the Transporter program of Elon Musk's SpaceX, which involves placing satellites from multiple customers on a single rocket to share launch costs. The satellites, which the company will develop and operate, are designed to test technology in orbit and support future commercial applications.
VinSpace is part of Vietnam's Vingroup conglomerate and was established in November 2025. In April, the company announced plans to develop and launch its first satellites in 2027.
Vingroup was founded by tycoon Pham Nhat Vuong. It is Vietnam's largest privately owned company. Its business empire spans many aspects of daily life, from real estate and retail to healthcare, education, and tourism.
The company is going global as it invests heavily in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, space, artificial intelligence, and robotics. These sectors are central to Vietnam's ambition to become Asia's next tiger economy.
Vietnam has sought to build its aerospace capabilities for several decades but remains a relatively small player in the global space industry. According to official documents, the country launched its first telecommunications satellite in 2008, followed by another in 2012.
In March, a major space science and technology center was inaugurated in Hanoi's Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, aimed at expanding the country's satellite development and use of space-based data. Vietnam aims to become a mid-level space power in Southeast Asia by 2030.
In February, Vietnam allowed SpaceX to launch its Starlink satellite internet service in the country. Some analysts viewed this as an effort by Vietnam to avoid U.S. tariffs. Starlink has since begun accepting orders in Vietnam. VinSpace considers the agreement with SpaceX as part of its plan to become a full-service aerospace company, developing capabilities ranging from satellite design and manufacturing to launch management, satellite operations, and space-based data services.
"Reliable access to space is fundamental to turning satellite innovation into operational missions," said VinSpace CEO Thu Vu in a statement. VinSpace did not disclose the value of the contract or the number or specifications of the satellites.