Vietnam’s space plans have moved into a new phase, with a young company now preparing to put its own satellites into orbit. VinSpace has signed a launch contract with SpaceX, giving the Vietnamese aerospace firm a place on a Transporter rideshare mission planned for 2027.
The agreement is important because VinSpace is still a new name in the space sector. The company was established in November 2025 and is part of the Vingroup group. Its first satellite missions are expected to test technology in orbit for later commercial work.
What The SpaceX Deal Means
Transporter missions allow several customers to send satellites into space on the same rocket. This helps share launch costs and gives smaller companies access to an established launch service.
Under the contract:
• VinSpace will develop its own satellites
• The satellites are planned for launch in 2027
• SpaceX will provide the launch service
• The mission will use a Transporter rideshare flight
• VinSpace will operate the satellites after launch
• The satellites will be used for technology testing
VinSpace has not shared the contract value. It has also not revealed the exact number, size or specifications of the satellites involved.
Building A Wider Space Business
The company is not limiting plans to making spacecraft. VinSpace wants to work across several parts of the satellite business, from research to operations after launch.
Its planned activities include:
- Satellite research and development
- Satellite manufacturing
- Assembly and testing
- Launch mission management
- On orbit satellite operations
- Space based data services
The 2027 missions will give its teams practical experience in orbit.
A New Area For Vingroup
VinSpace is backed by Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest privately owned business groups. The group has interests in real estate, retail, healthcare, education and tourism. It has also been putting money into newer technology fields, including electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, robotics and aerospace.
VinSpace said the SpaceX partnership supports its longer term plan to build aerospace capabilities in Vietnam and work with international technology companies.
Vietnam’s Space Plans
Vietnam has worked on satellite projects for years. The country launched its first telecommunications satellite in 2008 and another in 2012. More recently, it has been trying to expand its domestic space and satellite capabilities.
In March, Vietnam opened a space science and technology centre at the Hoa Lac High Tech Park in Hanoi. The country has also set a target of becoming a mid level space power in Southeast Asia by 2030.
The SpaceX agreement adds another step to that wider effort. For VinSpace, the next major milestone will be getting its satellites ready for their 2027 mission.
If the launch goes ahead as planned, it will give the company experience in designing, launching and operating spacecraft. It also gives Vietnam another private player in a field that has traditionally been led by government agencies.