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

Jan 28, 2022
Anomalies Halt Astroscale Orbital Debris Capture Demo
Space debris removal startup Astroscale has halted an autonomous capture demonstration in low Earth orbit after detecting anomalous spacecraft conditions.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 27, 2022
In-Orbit Transportation Startup D-Orbit Goes Public In SPAC Deal
D-Orbit, an 11-year-old Italian startup offering the Ion Satellite Carrier for in-orbit positioning, unveiled a go-public effort on Jan. 27 to start trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange in a deal that should provide it up to $185 million.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 26, 2022
Chinese Spacecraft Functions As ‘Space Tug,’ Industry Official Reveals
A Chinese spacecraft that disappeared from orbit on Jan. 22 appears to be serving as a “space tug,” raising a defunct Chinese navigation satellite thousands of kilometers beyond geostationary orbit, according to a company that operates a network of more than 350 optical telescopes around the world.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 26, 2022
Space Memorial Provider Celestis Buys Ride On First ULA Vulcan
Houston-based Celestis, which flies cremated remains in one of the more unique—and long-lived—commercial space service ventures, is adding a second payload on United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) debut Vulcan mission, slated to launch later this year. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 26, 2022
First Virgin Orbit UK Launch To Carry Omani Satellite
An Omani satellite will be among the payloads launched from Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne when it makes its first launch from the UK later this year.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 28, 2022
Anomalies Halt Astroscale Orbital Debris Capture Demo
Space debris removal startup Astroscale has halted an autonomous capture demonstration in low Earth orbit after detecting anomalous spacecraft conditions.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 27, 2022
In-Orbit Transportation Startup D-Orbit Goes Public In SPAC Deal
D-Orbit, an 11-year-old Italian startup offering the Ion Satellite Carrier for in-orbit positioning, unveiled a go-public effort on Jan. 27 to start trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange in a deal that should provide it up to $185 million.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 26, 2022
Chinese Spacecraft Functions As ‘Space Tug,’ Industry Official Reveals
A Chinese spacecraft that disappeared from orbit on Jan. 22 appears to be serving as a “space tug,” raising a defunct Chinese navigation satellite thousands of kilometers beyond geostationary orbit, according to a company that operates a network of more than 350 optical telescopes around the world.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 26, 2022
Space Memorial Provider Celestis Buys Ride On First ULA Vulcan
Houston-based Celestis, which flies cremated remains in one of the more unique—and long-lived—commercial space service ventures, is adding a second payload on United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) debut Vulcan mission, slated to launch later this year. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 26, 2022
First Virgin Orbit UK Launch To Carry Omani Satellite
An Omani satellite will be among the payloads launched from Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne when it makes its first launch from the UK later this year.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 25, 2022
European Commission Plans Fund To Assist Space Startups
The European Commission plans to establish a space investment fund to support startups.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 24, 2022
Nanoracks, Space 11 Corp. Join To Pioneer Space Entertainment
Space 11 Corp., an aerospace company focused on the production of space-based entertainment, is partnering with Nanoracks, a commercial space station visionary, to develop an orbital free flyer intended to support space film and television production and serve as a live venue and soundscape.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 24, 2022
ArianeGroup Bets On Reusability, Crewed Flight Synergy
ArianeGroup is studying a dual-use second stage for launches of both satellite and crew that will support the European Space Agency’s fledgling reusability strategy.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report