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

Sep 02, 2021
FAA Investigates Unity 22 Descent Flightpath Deviation
The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating a deviation in the flightpath cleared for the descent of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo Unity to Spaceport America in New Mexico, following its suborbital flight with Richard Branson and five employees aboard on July 11.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Sep 02, 2021
SoftBank Advances Communications Technology For HAPS
Japan’s SoftBank and its subsidiary HAPSMobile are developing new high-capacity communications systems as they prepare to launch commercial services providing connectivity from the stratosphere using long-endurance unmanned aircraft.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Aug 31, 2021
ULA Vulcan Rocket Begins Fueling Tests At Pad
The tests should validate launchpad infrastructure, evaluate countdown procedures and train the launch team in advance of the inaugural Vulcan mission in 2022. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Aug 31, 2021
Raytheon Buying FlightAware For Digital Aviation Push Under Collins
Collins Aerospace, already one of the largest commercial aerospace suppliers—let alone as part of Raytheon Technologies—is buying high-profile flight tracking data provider FlightAware.
Aviation Daily
Aug 30, 2021
Robust Astra Rocket Falls Short In Third Orbital Launch Try
Fledging small satellite launch provider Astra Space once again failed to reach orbit, but the booster managed 2 1/2 min. of flight time despite losing an engine less than 1 sec. after liftoff from Alaska’s Kodiak Island.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Sep 02, 2021
FAA Investigates Unity 22 Descent Flightpath Deviation
The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating a deviation in the flightpath cleared for the descent of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo Unity to Spaceport America in New Mexico, following its suborbital flight with Richard Branson and five employees aboard on July 11.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Sep 02, 2021
SoftBank Advances Communications Technology For HAPS
Japan’s SoftBank and its subsidiary HAPSMobile are developing new high-capacity communications systems as they prepare to launch commercial services providing connectivity from the stratosphere using long-endurance unmanned aircraft.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Aug 31, 2021
ULA Vulcan Rocket Begins Fueling Tests At Pad
The tests should validate launchpad infrastructure, evaluate countdown procedures and train the launch team in advance of the inaugural Vulcan mission in 2022. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Aug 31, 2021
Raytheon Buying FlightAware For Digital Aviation Push Under Collins
Collins Aerospace, already one of the largest commercial aerospace suppliers—let alone as part of Raytheon Technologies—is buying high-profile flight tracking data provider FlightAware.
Aviation Daily
Aug 30, 2021
Robust Astra Rocket Falls Short In Third Orbital Launch Try
Fledging small satellite launch provider Astra Space once again failed to reach orbit, but the booster managed 2 1/2 min. of flight time despite losing an engine less than 1 sec. after liftoff from Alaska’s Kodiak Island.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Aug 30, 2021
Space Station Ops Ramp Up With SpaceX Cargo Docking
SpaceX’s 23rd NASA-contracted Dragon resupply mission capsule docked autonomously to the International Space Station’s U.S. segment on Aug. 30.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Aug 27, 2021
Australian Startups Expand Space Ambitions
Australia’s fledgling space industry is attracting investment, with on-orbit inspection startup HEO Robotics completing a seed funding round led by British billionaire David Harding, founder and CEO of investment management company Winton Group.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Aug 26, 2021
Sierra Space Wants ISS Access For New Commercial Vehicles
Sierra Space is in discussions with the European Space Agency and German aerospace center DLR to extend existing partnerships covering crew access to the International Space Station to include new commercial vehicles.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report