Associated Press
• Aniruddha Ghosal
VinSpace, the aerospace unit of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, has signed a contract with SpaceX to launch its first satellites in 2027. The agreement marks a step forward in Vietnam’s effort to establish a domestic space industry and develop satellite capabilities.
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VinSpace, the aerospace unit of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, has signed a contract with SpaceX to launch its first satellites in 2027. The agreement marks a step forward in Vietnam’s effort to establish a domestic space industry and develop satellite capabilities.
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Rocket Lab has introduced GHOST, a containerized launch system designed to deploy Electron and HASTE operations beyond permanent spaceports, giving military customers more flexible orbital and hypersonic test options. At the same time, the company says Neutron’s planned 2026 debut is increasingly at risk of slipping into 2027.
China’s latest rocket launch ended in failure on Aug. 10 when the vehicle exploded less than 90 seconds after liftoff, lighting up the sky. The available reporting does not identify the rocket or payload, or provide details on the cause, damage or broader impact.
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Japan plans to launch the Michibiki 7 navigation satellite aboard its H3 No. 9 rocket on Aug. 10, with live coverage available. The mission will place the 10,800-pound spacecraft into orbit, adding another satellite to Japan’s regional positioning and navigation system.
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China’s Long March 7A failed less than 90 seconds after liftoff during an attempted communications-satellite launch, with amateur footage showing an apparent explosion. State media said the payload was lost and the cause was under investigation, marking the rocket family’s second failure this year.
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Rocket Factory Augsburg’s first orbital launch attempt has been delayed by a tank problem, but the company’s majority owner remains confident the German startup can reach the launch pad later this year. The setback adds pressure to its development and launch schedule.
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Lithuanian optical communications company Astrolight and German space logistics firm ATMOS Space Cargo have signed an MoU to demonstrate a high-speed, in-flight laser communications link between ATMOS’ PHOENIX 2 re-entry vehicle and an orbiting low Earth orbit satellite during a planned 2027 test.
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SpaceX reported second-quarter revenue of $7.8 billion, exceeding estimates and helping its shares rise 15.8% on Aug. 9 to above their $135 IPO price. The rebound comes as the company’s planned satellite expansion and projected Starship deployment reshape expectations for launch and orbital-computing economics.
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