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

Mar 03, 2022
Boeing has confirmed that recent composite cryogenic tank tests that pave the way for future liquid-hydrogen-fueled aircraft used a reusable tank shell originally built as flight hardware for DARPA’s former Experimental Spaceplane Program.
Mar 02, 2022
Use of Russia’s largest commercial space contract may be halted, with Russian State Space Corp. Roscosmos requesting legally binding guarantees from the OneWeb satellite operator and the French Arianespace launch provider that the constellation, deployed by Russian Soyuz 2 rockets, will not be used for military purposes.
Mar 01, 2022
Rocket Lab has confirmed plans to locate manufacturing facilities and launch operations for its new medium-lift reusable Neutron rocket on a 28-acre site on Wallops Island in Virginia.
Feb 28, 2022
Local authorities in the Shetland Islands have given a green light for the construction of the SaxaVord Spaceport.
Feb 25, 2022
AE Industrial Partners, a U.S. private equity firm active in aerospace and defense, said Feb. 24 that it had struck deal to buy a “significant” stake in embattled rocket startup Firefly Aerospace from investment group Noosphere Venture Partners.
Mar 03, 2022
Boeing has confirmed that recent composite cryogenic tank tests that pave the way for future liquid-hydrogen-fueled aircraft used a reusable tank shell originally built as flight hardware for DARPA’s former Experimental Spaceplane Program.
Mar 02, 2022
Use of Russia’s largest commercial space contract may be halted, with Russian State Space Corp. Roscosmos requesting legally binding guarantees from the OneWeb satellite operator and the French Arianespace launch provider that the constellation, deployed by Russian Soyuz 2 rockets, will not be used for military purposes.
Mar 01, 2022
Rocket Lab has confirmed plans to locate manufacturing facilities and launch operations for its new medium-lift reusable Neutron rocket on a 28-acre site on Wallops Island in Virginia.
Feb 28, 2022
Local authorities in the Shetland Islands have given a green light for the construction of the SaxaVord Spaceport.
Feb 25, 2022
AE Industrial Partners, a U.S. private equity firm active in aerospace and defense, said Feb. 24 that it had struck deal to buy a “significant” stake in embattled rocket startup Firefly Aerospace from investment group Noosphere Venture Partners.
Feb 24, 2022
Rocket Lab will provide 17 spacecraft buses for a new low Earth orbit satellite constellation owned and operated by Globalstar.
Feb 23, 2022
Rocket Lab plans to begin operations from a second launchpad in New Zealand as early Feb. 28, the company said Feb. 23.
Feb 21, 2022
Northrop Grumman is taking the next step in its space servicing business, SpaceLogistics, with the sale of its first Mission Extension Pod and a launch agreement with SpaceX for a Mission Robotic Vehicle.