Vietnam’s VinSpace signs SpaceX launch deal

HANOI — VinSpace, a ​unit of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, ​has signed ‌a launch contract with SpaceX for its satellite missions, the company said on Tuesday.

VinSpace’s satellites ​will ⁠launch on a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission in 2027, joining multiple ‌other customers on a shared launch, it said in a statement

VinSpace ⁠handles the research, development, manufacturing and in-orbit operation of its satellites. The company said the project supports its strategy aimed at ​building capabilities across the space value chain, including satellite ​design ‌and manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing, launch management, operations and data ​services.

⁠The missions are expected to support in-orbit ⁠technology testing, satellite capability development, international collaboration and future commercial applications, VinSpace said.

VinSpace was founded ⁠last November, with an ​initial capital of 300 billion dong (US$11.4 million). Vingroup’s founder Pham Nhat Vuong holds a ‌majority share ⁠in VinSpace.