Commercial Space

The commercial space market, also known as the private space industry or NewSpace, is experiencing strong growth. This burgeoning sector encompasses activities such as satellite manufacturing, space tourism, rocket launches, satellite services and space exploration initiatives driven by private companies. Players like SpaceX and Blue Origin on the launch side, or Planet and Maxar with their in-orbit satellite constellations are revolutionizing the industry, making space more accessible and cost-effective. The demand for satellite internet, Earth observation, and space-based services has fueled investments and technological advancements. With the rise of reusable rockets, commercial crew missions, and ambitious plans for space mining and Mars colonization, the commercial space market is poised for exponential growth, promising exciting developments and opportunities into the future. 

News & Analysis

Oct 29, 2021
Lockheed-Aligned Terran Orbital Going Public In SPAC Deal
Small-satellite startup Terran Orbital, backed by Lockheed Martin and others, plans to become a publicly traded company after a reverse merger with a special-purpose acquisition company, the companies announced late Oct. 28.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 28, 2021
Glavkosmos Sells Tourist Seats For 2024 Soyuz Launches
Roscosmos’ commercial arm, Glavkosmos, has made its first direct sales for tourist flights on Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 28, 2021
Small-Satellite Launcher Head Count Climbs To 164
A Northrop Grumman census is now tracking 164 small-satellite launch programs, although 46 of the projects are effectively defunct and the status of nine others is unknown.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 26, 2021
Japan Launches H-IIA Rocket As Epsilon-5 Awaits Turn
Japan successfully launched the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA rocket on the morning of Oct. 26 local time from the Tanegashima Space Center.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 25, 2021
Blue Origin, Sierra Space Join Forces For Commercial Space Station
A team of heritage and new space companies headed by Blue Origin and Sierra Space plan to build, launch and operate an International Space Station-class commercial outpost in low Earth orbit that can be tailored and expanded to accommodate a broad array of scientific, technological, business, entertainment and other pursuits.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 29, 2021
Lockheed-Aligned Terran Orbital Going Public In SPAC Deal
Small-satellite startup Terran Orbital, backed by Lockheed Martin and others, plans to become a publicly traded company after a reverse merger with a special-purpose acquisition company, the companies announced late Oct. 28.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 28, 2021
Glavkosmos Sells Tourist Seats For 2024 Soyuz Launches
Roscosmos’ commercial arm, Glavkosmos, has made its first direct sales for tourist flights on Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 28, 2021
Small-Satellite Launcher Head Count Climbs To 164
A Northrop Grumman census is now tracking 164 small-satellite launch programs, although 46 of the projects are effectively defunct and the status of nine others is unknown.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 26, 2021
Japan Launches H-IIA Rocket As Epsilon-5 Awaits Turn
Japan successfully launched the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA rocket on the morning of Oct. 26 local time from the Tanegashima Space Center.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 25, 2021
Blue Origin, Sierra Space Join Forces For Commercial Space Station
A team of heritage and new space companies headed by Blue Origin and Sierra Space plan to build, launch and operate an International Space Station-class commercial outpost in low Earth orbit that can be tailored and expanded to accommodate a broad array of scientific, technological, business, entertainment and other pursuits.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 25, 2021
IAI Mini GEO Communication Satellite To Provide Lower-Cost Service
Israel Aerospace Industries is adding a miniaturized, 1,500-lb. geostationary communications satellite to its product line.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 21, 2021
Nanoracks, Lockheed, Voyager Team For ‘Starlab’ LEO Habitat
Ahead of NASA’s selection of up to four proposals to support development of commercial space stations, a team led by Nanoracks unveiled plans on Oct. 21 for a four-person outpost called Starlab, with initial operational capability expected by 2027.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Oct 20, 2021
LeoLabs Adds Sixth Space Radar Site In Australia
The Australian location will provide good coverage of launch corridors from East Asia, and improve space coverage in the Southern Hemisphere.