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 20, 2021
Safety Panel Calls On NASA To Reassess Risk Management
NASA needs to strategically reassess risk as it enlists commercial and international partners in its deep-space ambitions, according to the agency’s independent Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 19, 2021
Boeing Completes Starliner Software Requalification
Boeing has completed a review and verification of 1 million lines of software for the upcoming reflight of an uncrewed CST-100 Starliner spacecraft.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 19, 2021
Shetland Islands Get Planning Application For Space Center
Plans for a satellite launch site in the Shetland Islands have been submitted to the local authorities for planning permission.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 17, 2021
Virgin Orbit Achieves Success With Second LauncherOne Test
The LauncherOne rocket reached space for the first time on Jan. 17, carrying 10 small satellites to orbit.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 15, 2021
Thales Alenia To Plan European Satellite Servicing Demo
Thales Alenia Space has been awarded a European contract to prepare for an in-orbit demonstration of spacecraft servicing.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 20, 2021
Safety Panel Calls On NASA To Reassess Risk Management
NASA needs to strategically reassess risk as it enlists commercial and international partners in its deep-space ambitions, according to the agency’s independent Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 19, 2021
Boeing Completes Starliner Software Requalification
Boeing has completed a review and verification of 1 million lines of software for the upcoming reflight of an uncrewed CST-100 Starliner spacecraft.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 19, 2021
Shetland Islands Get Planning Application For Space Center
Plans for a satellite launch site in the Shetland Islands have been submitted to the local authorities for planning permission.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 17, 2021
Virgin Orbit Achieves Success With Second LauncherOne Test
The LauncherOne rocket reached space for the first time on Jan. 17, carrying 10 small satellites to orbit.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 15, 2021
Thales Alenia To Plan European Satellite Servicing Demo
Thales Alenia Space has been awarded a European contract to prepare for an in-orbit demonstration of spacecraft servicing.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 15, 2021
SoftBank Reinvests In OneWeb
Japan’s SoftBank has re-invested in OneWeb, the satellite communications company that was sent into Chapter 11 nine months ago after the Tokyo-based holding company withdrew its support.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 14, 2021
UK Skynet 6A Satellite Passes PDR Milestone
Airbus says it has completed the Preliminary Design Review on the UK’s new Skynet 6A military communications satellite.  The review occurred in November and was completed virtually due to the restrictions in place because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Airbus announced Jan. 14.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Jan 14, 2021
Lockheed Transfers Orion Capsule To NASA
Lockheed Martin, prime contractor for NASA’s deep-space crewed Orion spacecraft, has completed assembly and testing of the capsule earmarked for a flight test in November and transferred possession to NASA.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report