Vietnam to Send First Satellites to Orbit with SpaceX in 2027

Vietnamese company VinSpace, part of the Vingroup conglomerate, has signed a contract with American SpaceX to launch satellites in 2027. Under the agreement, SpaceX will handle the orbital deployment, while all other stages — from research to operation — remain with the Vietnamese side.

VinSpace expects the mission to test Vietnamese-designed satellite modules in real conditions and validate technologies developed by its own engineering team. Company head Vu Trong Thu called the deal a key milestone in the long-term strategy to build a commercial aerospace ecosystem in Vietnam.

The company plans to build expertise across several areas: satellite systems, ground infrastructure, communications, and geospatial intelligence. VinSpace aims to become Vietnam's leading full-cycle aerospace enterprise.

The partnership with SpaceX is expected to strengthen the country's national space capabilities. For Vietnam, this marks a first step toward independent orbital operations: the country previously had no commercial satellites of its own.