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

Apr 11, 2022
DIU Seeks On-Orbit Satellite Refueling, Bulk Fuel Depot Ideas
The Defense Innovation Unit has released a request for information seeking commercial on-orbit satellite refueling and bulk fuel depot ideas as part of its “RAPIDS Refueling and Fuel Depot” project.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 09, 2022
Private Axiom-1 Crew Docks To ISS Late But Safely
Axiom Mission-1's (Ax-1) four private astronauts successfully docked to the International Space Station (ISS) April 9, to begin an eight-day visit filled with medical and scientific research and technology development activities.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2022
Thales Alenia Space, Aiko To Develop A.I. For Spacecraft
Artificial intelligence programs are well suited for dealing with the deluge of data generated by space systems, according to the companies.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2022
Axiom Crew Lifts Off On Charter Flight To ISS
The Axiom-1 mission kicks off a series of private astronaut flights to the International Space Station as part of an ongoing effort to expand commercial use and development of low Earth orbit
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2022
Astroscale Descopes Debris Removal Demo After Thruster Failures
The Japanese startup said April 6 that it had resolved or mitigated most of the spacecraft anomalies experienced in January that caused it to halt an autonomous capture demonstration in low Earth orbit.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 11, 2022
DIU Seeks On-Orbit Satellite Refueling, Bulk Fuel Depot Ideas
The Defense Innovation Unit has released a request for information seeking commercial on-orbit satellite refueling and bulk fuel depot ideas as part of its “RAPIDS Refueling and Fuel Depot” project.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 09, 2022
Private Axiom-1 Crew Docks To ISS Late But Safely
Axiom Mission-1's (Ax-1) four private astronauts successfully docked to the International Space Station (ISS) April 9, to begin an eight-day visit filled with medical and scientific research and technology development activities.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2022
Thales Alenia Space, Aiko To Develop A.I. For Spacecraft
Artificial intelligence programs are well suited for dealing with the deluge of data generated by space systems, according to the companies.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2022
Axiom Crew Lifts Off On Charter Flight To ISS
The Axiom-1 mission kicks off a series of private astronaut flights to the International Space Station as part of an ongoing effort to expand commercial use and development of low Earth orbit
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2022
Astroscale Descopes Debris Removal Demo After Thruster Failures
The Japanese startup said April 6 that it had resolved or mitigated most of the spacecraft anomalies experienced in January that caused it to halt an autonomous capture demonstration in low Earth orbit.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2022
Diverse Axiom-1 R&D Seeks To Boost Space Economy
The Ax-1 astronauts will kick off more than two dozen wide-ranging scientific research and technology development activities with value to life on Earth as well as nurturing the space economy.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2022
Sidus Space Sees Red Ink Grow in First Annual Financial Results
Sidus Space, a Cape Canaveral startup proffering the LizzieSat—a partially additively manufactured, 100-kg. (220-lb.) low-Earth-orbit satellite—reported 2021 financial results that showed net loss more than doubled while revenue decreased from 2020.
Apr 07, 2022
Lift Aircraft Awarded USAF Contract For More eVTOL Test Flights
Lift Aircraft has been awarded a Phase 3 contract by the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program to continue experimentation and flight tests of its single-seat HEXA electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report