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, 2022
Viasat Shares Russia Hack Data Via USSF Commercial Integration Cell
After its KA-SAT satellite internet service in Europe was disrupted on Feb. 24 by an alleged cyberattack from Russia, Viasat shared details of the attack with industry competitors via the U.S. Space Force’s Commercial Integration Cell. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 12, 2022
Axiom Space Breaks Ground As Houston Spaceport Tenant
Fresh off the success of the first U.S. private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Space has broken ground on a headquarters campus at Houston Spaceport to support work on the first U.S. commercially developed and operated space station.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 11, 2022
Orbex Reveals Prototype Prime Launcher
UK space startup Orbex has unveiled a fully completed prototype of the company’s Prime satellite launcher.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 11, 2022
Virgin Orbit Grows Launcher Fleet With Extra 747-400s
Satellite air launch company Virgin Orbit has secured an agreement with conversion specialist L3 Harris Technologies to acquire two Boeing 747-400 airframes to support growth plans for additional launch capacity.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 10, 2022
U.S., Europe Officials Blame Russia For Viasat Attack
The U.S., the European Union and multiple other nations on May 10 formally attributed cyber attacks against Viasat’s KA-SAT network on Feb. 24 to Russia, claiming Moscow attempted to disrupt Ukrainian command and control as the invasion began.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 12, 2022
Viasat Shares Russia Hack Data Via USSF Commercial Integration Cell
After its KA-SAT satellite internet service in Europe was disrupted on Feb. 24 by an alleged cyberattack from Russia, Viasat shared details of the attack with industry competitors via the U.S. Space Force’s Commercial Integration Cell. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 12, 2022
Axiom Space Breaks Ground As Houston Spaceport Tenant
Fresh off the success of the first U.S. private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Space has broken ground on a headquarters campus at Houston Spaceport to support work on the first U.S. commercially developed and operated space station.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 11, 2022
Orbex Reveals Prototype Prime Launcher
UK space startup Orbex has unveiled a fully completed prototype of the company’s Prime satellite launcher.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 11, 2022
Virgin Orbit Grows Launcher Fleet With Extra 747-400s
Satellite air launch company Virgin Orbit has secured an agreement with conversion specialist L3 Harris Technologies to acquire two Boeing 747-400 airframes to support growth plans for additional launch capacity.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 10, 2022
U.S., Europe Officials Blame Russia For Viasat Attack
The U.S., the European Union and multiple other nations on May 10 formally attributed cyber attacks against Viasat’s KA-SAT network on Feb. 24 to Russia, claiming Moscow attempted to disrupt Ukrainian command and control as the invasion began.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 10, 2022
Astra Space Eyes Shetland Satellite Launch
U.S. launch startup Astra Space has teamed up with the UK’s SaxaVord Spaceport as a potential new location for satellite launches.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 10, 2022
Maxar WorldView Legion Launch Delayed After Test Issue
The highly anticipated debut of the WorldView Legion high-resolution constellation from Maxar Technologies is slipping again, this time to September, as the Colorado company works through a test configuration anomaly, executives announced late May 9.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
May 10, 2022
Xona’s Private ‘Precision’ GNSS Satellite Readies To Launch
Xona Space Systems has finished environmental testing of its Huginn demonstrator satellite ahead of its planned May 25 launch on SpaceX’s Transporter 5 rideshare mission.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report