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
A prototype upper-stage for SpaceX’s Mars-class Starship launch vehicle was destroyed during a maximum pressurization test Nov. 20 at the company’s Boca Chica Beach, Texas, complex.
Nov 21, 2019
A NASA strategy to partner with the U.S. commercial sector to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) could enrich a growing global space economy if the agency and its international partners can stay the course to the Moon and Mars, its top strategist told SpaceCom 2019 on Nov 20.
Nov 21, 2019
The Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC-ANSP), responsible for managing air traffic from the Caribbean island of Curacao, has started using space-based surveillance data from Aireon to track aircraft.
Nov 21, 2019
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.
Nov 20, 2019
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.
Nov 21, 2019
A prototype upper-stage for SpaceX’s Mars-class Starship launch vehicle was destroyed during a maximum pressurization test Nov. 20 at the company’s Boca Chica Beach, Texas, complex.
Nov 21, 2019
A NASA strategy to partner with the U.S. commercial sector to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) could enrich a growing global space economy if the agency and its international partners can stay the course to the Moon and Mars, its top strategist told SpaceCom 2019 on Nov 20.
Nov 21, 2019
The Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC-ANSP), responsible for managing air traffic from the Caribbean island of Curacao, has started using space-based surveillance data from Aireon to track aircraft.
Nov 21, 2019
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.
Nov 20, 2019
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.
Nov 19, 2019
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.
Nov 19, 2019
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.
Nov 19, 2019
OHB is proceeding with its plan to design and operate a launcher for placing satellites up to 440 lb. in low Earth orbit.