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

Jun 25, 2020
Maxar Buys Full Control Of Sat-Based 3D Mapping
Maxar Technologies will buy out joint venture (JV) partner Saab’s interest in its satellite-based three-dimensional (3D) data and analytics boutique Vricon, as revamped Maxar looks to double down on Earth observation services.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 25, 2020
NASA Seeks Crowdsource Help For Moon Toilet
NASA has joined with crowdsourcing network HeroX to seek a strategy for the elimination of lunar astronauts’ bodily wastes under its “Lunar Loo Challenge.”
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 24, 2020
So Far, So Good For SpaceX Demo-2, NASA Says
Pleased so far with the performance of SpaceX’s Demo-2 test flight to the International Space Station, NASA is planning a series of four and possibly six spacewalks by its two veteran astronaut test pilots before returning to Earth, potentially in early August.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 24, 2020
Relativity To Fly Iridium-Next Spares
California-based Relativity Space, which is developing a 3D-printed small satellite launcher, has signed a contract with Iridium to launch up to six of its Iridium Next ground spares, the companies announced June 24.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 23, 2020
Made In Space Joins Redwire Group
Redwire, a venture capital-backed family of space technology companies, has added Florida-based Made In Space to its portfolio, the companies announced June 23.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 25, 2020
Maxar Buys Full Control Of Sat-Based 3D Mapping
Maxar Technologies will buy out joint venture (JV) partner Saab’s interest in its satellite-based three-dimensional (3D) data and analytics boutique Vricon, as revamped Maxar looks to double down on Earth observation services.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 25, 2020
NASA Seeks Crowdsource Help For Moon Toilet
NASA has joined with crowdsourcing network HeroX to seek a strategy for the elimination of lunar astronauts’ bodily wastes under its “Lunar Loo Challenge.”
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 24, 2020
So Far, So Good For SpaceX Demo-2, NASA Says
Pleased so far with the performance of SpaceX’s Demo-2 test flight to the International Space Station, NASA is planning a series of four and possibly six spacewalks by its two veteran astronaut test pilots before returning to Earth, potentially in early August.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 24, 2020
Relativity To Fly Iridium-Next Spares
California-based Relativity Space, which is developing a 3D-printed small satellite launcher, has signed a contract with Iridium to launch up to six of its Iridium Next ground spares, the companies announced June 24.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 23, 2020
Made In Space Joins Redwire Group
Redwire, a venture capital-backed family of space technology companies, has added Florida-based Made In Space to its portfolio, the companies announced June 23.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 22, 2020
Congress Pushes SDA To Reinsert Commercial Services In Future Space Layer
The Space Development Agency must submit a detailed plan to use commercial satellites as a service in the future National Defense Space Architecture, a panel of lawmakers say. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 22, 2020
Virgin Galactic To Train Private Astronauts For ISS
Under a Space Act Agreement with NASA, space company Virgin Galactic is to develop a training program for private astronaut missions to the International Space Station.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jun 22, 2020
Startup Eyes Edge-Of-Space Commercial Balloon Flight
Startup Space Perspective is looking to early 2021 to begin test flights of a high-altitude balloon with a pressurized capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC), with an eye toward carrying commercial passengers and research payloads.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report