SpaceX is preparing to establish its first Starlink ground station in Vietnam, with operations expected to begin in May or June 2025 in Danang.

The company plans to build a network of 10 to 15 stations across the country, following Vietnam’s decision to allow Starlink to operate under a five-year pilot program.

This program grants SpaceX full ownership of its local subsidiary, circumventing the usual foreign ownership restrictions.

According to a decision by Vietnam’s prime minister on Mar. 23, SpaceX must set up at least one ground station within the country.

The investment for the initial ground station in central Vietnam is estimated at US$3 million. However, the future of the project is uncertain due to anticipated United States tariffs targeting nations with significant trade surpluses, including Vietnam.

Starlink, currently available in over 100 countries and territories, uses ground stations to communicate with satellites and relay data to users.

While the company does not disclose the total number of its ground stations, independent estimates suggest there are about 150 globally. Nearly half of these stations are located in the United States.

SpaceX and Vietnam’s technology ministry have not responded to requests for comment on these developments.

Recent SpaceX developments