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

May 12, 2020
Hubble Veteran: Space Telescope Merits Future Upgrade
A future NASA Orion crew might find its way to an aging but still productive Hubble Space Telescope to conduct upgrades and repairs, says John Grunsfeld, who journeyed to the orbital observatory as a spacewalking mechanic on three shuttle missions. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 11, 2020
FAA Authorizes Florida Commercial Launch Site
The FAA has authorized a 12th commercial space launch site and continues to evaluate another site that was nearing a decision by the agency late last year.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 11, 2020
Astronaut Splashdowns Make Comeback
When Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken splash down in the Atlantic Ocean following their SpaceX Demo-2 flight to the International Space Station, it will mark the first time NASA astronauts have landed in the ocean in nearly 45 years.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 06, 2020
SpaceX Starship Prototype Passes Static Fire
A week after winning a $135 million NASA contract to support work on its fully reusable, deep-space transportation system, SpaceX conducted a successful static test fire of a full-size, second-stage Starship prototype. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 06, 2020
Firefly On Track For Alpha Test Launch After Certification
Space startup Firefly Aerospace aims to complete the first launch of its two-stage Alpha rocket as early as September and says testing of engines and site preparation remain on track despite the threat of potential disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 12, 2020
Hubble Veteran: Space Telescope Merits Future Upgrade
A future NASA Orion crew might find its way to an aging but still productive Hubble Space Telescope to conduct upgrades and repairs, says John Grunsfeld, who journeyed to the orbital observatory as a spacewalking mechanic on three shuttle missions. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 11, 2020
FAA Authorizes Florida Commercial Launch Site
The FAA has authorized a 12th commercial space launch site and continues to evaluate another site that was nearing a decision by the agency late last year.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 11, 2020
Astronaut Splashdowns Make Comeback
When Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken splash down in the Atlantic Ocean following their SpaceX Demo-2 flight to the International Space Station, it will mark the first time NASA astronauts have landed in the ocean in nearly 45 years.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 06, 2020
SpaceX Starship Prototype Passes Static Fire
A week after winning a $135 million NASA contract to support work on its fully reusable, deep-space transportation system, SpaceX conducted a successful static test fire of a full-size, second-stage Starship prototype. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 06, 2020
Firefly On Track For Alpha Test Launch After Certification
Space startup Firefly Aerospace aims to complete the first launch of its two-stage Alpha rocket as early as September and says testing of engines and site preparation remain on track despite the threat of potential disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 04, 2020
Arianespace Plans Mid-June Vega Launch In Kourou
LYON, France—Arianespace is planning on resuming operations with a Vega launch in mid-June as activity at Europe’s space center in Kourou, French Guiana, gradually restarts after being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 01, 2020
SpaceX Completes Crew Dragon Parachute Testing
SpaceX completed the 27th and final test of its Mk 3 parachutes on May 1, one of the final milestones before NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Doug Hurley are cleared for a flight test aboard a Crew Dragon capsule. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 29, 2020
HAPS Leaders Tout Market Potential For High-Altitude Platforms
Manufacturers of high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS)–stratospheric balloons and unmanned aircraft–are touting a multibillion-dollar market opportunity in telecommunications, Earth observation and weather prediction.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report