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

Nov 21, 2019
DOD Chief Pushes FCC To Reject Ligado Networks Request
U.S. DOD Secretary Mark Esper is urging the FCC head to reject Ligado Networks’ license modification request to allow sat frequencies near the GPS band to be used for terrestrial 5G networks.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 20, 2019
Orbital Debris Startup AstroScale Fills In Tech Management Team
Japan’s AstroScale named Gene Fujii as chief engineer and Mike Lindsay as chief technology officer, adding the respective OrbComm and OneWeb veterans to its management team as the orbital debris removal startup tries to solidify its business plans.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 19, 2019
EU To Put Greater Emphasis On Space
The European Union is poised to increase its space budget and create a dedicated Directorate-General for Defense Industry and Space for the European Commission.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 19, 2019
Inmarsat Gears Up For GX5 Launch
Inmarsat is gearing up for the Nov. 22 launch of its GX5 satellite, planned to bring a major capacity increase to serve commercial and business aircraft flying in Europe and the Middle East.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 19, 2019
OHB Outlines Plans For Mini Launcher
OHB is proceeding with its plan to design and operate a launcher for placing satellites up to 440 lb. in low Earth orbit.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 21, 2019
DOD Chief Pushes FCC To Reject Ligado Networks Request
U.S. DOD Secretary Mark Esper is urging the FCC head to reject Ligado Networks’ license modification request to allow sat frequencies near the GPS band to be used for terrestrial 5G networks.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 20, 2019
Orbital Debris Startup AstroScale Fills In Tech Management Team
Japan’s AstroScale named Gene Fujii as chief engineer and Mike Lindsay as chief technology officer, adding the respective OrbComm and OneWeb veterans to its management team as the orbital debris removal startup tries to solidify its business plans.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 19, 2019
EU To Put Greater Emphasis On Space
The European Union is poised to increase its space budget and create a dedicated Directorate-General for Defense Industry and Space for the European Commission.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 19, 2019
Inmarsat Gears Up For GX5 Launch
Inmarsat is gearing up for the Nov. 22 launch of its GX5 satellite, planned to bring a major capacity increase to serve commercial and business aircraft flying in Europe and the Middle East.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 19, 2019
OHB Outlines Plans For Mini Launcher
OHB is proceeding with its plan to design and operate a launcher for placing satellites up to 440 lb. in low Earth orbit.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Nov 18, 2019
Blue Origin Wins USAF Launch Procurement Protest
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Nov. 18 sustained a protest by Blue Origin of the U.S. Air Force’s National Security Space Launch procurement.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 22, 2019
Accident Claims SpaceX Dragon Abort Test Capsule
A test of abort thrusters destroyed the capsule that had returned from an unmanned test flight to the International Space Station.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Mar 31, 2017
SpaceX Reflies Falcon 9 First Stage For Paying Customer
Elon Musk achieved a major step toward his goal of lowering the cost of space launch March 30 with the successful relaunch and recovery of a “used” Falcon 9 first stage on a commercial orbital mission.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report