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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

Jul 18, 2024
A test to see if spacecraft can fly in very low Earth orbit will come in 2027. The orbit has intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance advantages.
Jul 12, 2024
Two new spaceports in Scotland are preparing to service rockets heading to LEO and polar orbit, positioning the UK as a new player in the small launch market.
Jul 11, 2024
Guillaume Faury is looking to bring more work in-house in order to deal with supplier issues.
Jul 11, 2024
Matching NASA’s needs with the ideal contracting mechanism is a challenge.
Jul 11, 2024
Launch service provider Arianespace’s order backlog totals 29 missions, with the next being planned for December.
Aug 27, 2024
SpaceX has reset the launch of the privately funded Polaris Dawn mission for Aug. 28 to troubleshoot a helium leak in a quick-disconnect umbilical on the ground side of the Falcon 9 launch system.
Aug 26, 2024
While the other eight engines ignited as planned, the fire in the ninth engine was “really difficult to contain.”
Aug 26, 2024
Orbitworks will be the first company in the UAE to manufacture commercial low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
Aug 23, 2024
The company has resolved a problem that impaired operation of one of the three parachutes on the last flight of its New Shepard suborbital spacecraft.
Aug 23, 2024
The company plans to launch the first of its forestry monitoring spacecraft in 2025 after supplier issues delayed the mission from this year.
Aug 22, 2024
The newcomers join 11 companies selected in 2022 for the VADR program.
Aug 22, 2024
NASA has replaced its longtime Commercial Space Division chief Phil McAlister, who oversaw the agency’s Commercial Crew and other programs.
Aug 21, 2024
Asteroid mining startup AstroForge has raised a $40 million Series A funding round.