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

Apr 17, 2020
SpaceX, NASA Target May 27 For Crewed Flight Test
NASA and SpaceX are targeting May 27 for a crewed test flight of the Dragon 2 spacecraft to the International Space Station, the first human orbital space launch from the U.S. since the end of the shuttle program in 2011.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 17, 2020
OHB Offshoot Releases Small Launcher Strategy Details
Rocket Factory Augsburg, a would-be launch service provider and part of Germany’s OHB group, sees a market for a small reusable rocket that would offer low launch costs and enable improved satellite designs.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 17, 2020
Intelsat 901 Back In Service After In-Orbit Refurbishment
A defunct communications satellite serviced during the debut flight of Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) has resumed operations, Intelsat and Northrop said on April 17. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 17, 2020
Space Station Trio Lands Safely In Kazakhstan
Three U.S. and Russian International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers descended safely to Earth early April 17 to end lengthy, productive missions.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 17, 2020
Economics Of Rocket Reuse Still Up In The Air
The technical risks of landing and reflying rockets have been resolved, but the business case seems far from closed.
Inside MRO
Apr 17, 2020
SpaceX, NASA Target May 27 For Crewed Flight Test
NASA and SpaceX are targeting May 27 for a crewed test flight of the Dragon 2 spacecraft to the International Space Station, the first human orbital space launch from the U.S. since the end of the shuttle program in 2011.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 17, 2020
OHB Offshoot Releases Small Launcher Strategy Details
Rocket Factory Augsburg, a would-be launch service provider and part of Germany’s OHB group, sees a market for a small reusable rocket that would offer low launch costs and enable improved satellite designs.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 17, 2020
Intelsat 901 Back In Service After In-Orbit Refurbishment
A defunct communications satellite serviced during the debut flight of Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) has resumed operations, Intelsat and Northrop said on April 17. 
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 17, 2020
Space Station Trio Lands Safely In Kazakhstan
Three U.S. and Russian International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers descended safely to Earth early April 17 to end lengthy, productive missions.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 17, 2020
Economics Of Rocket Reuse Still Up In The Air
The technical risks of landing and reflying rockets have been resolved, but the business case seems far from closed.
Inside MRO
Apr 14, 2020
Intuitive Selects Lunar Mission Launch Date, Landing Site
Intuitive Machines has selected the planned date and landing site for its first mission to the Moon’s surface under its NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services agreement.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 13, 2020
Trade Group Seeks COVID-19 Relief For Military Space Suppliers
Citing the bankruptcy of the OneWeb satellite communications company, the U.S. government should consider adding $2.5 billion in funding for space programs, along with multiple policy proposals to maintain the military space industrial base and U.S. strategic dominance in the domain in the face of threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, an industry trade group recommends.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Apr 08, 2020
Sky And Space Global Starts Bankruptcy Proceedings
Australian nanosat startup Sky and Space Global has entered voluntary administration—a process similar to Chapter 11 U.S. bankruptcy—after posting losses of more than AUS$30 million ($18.5 million) in 2019.
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report