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 18, 2019
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Nov. 18 sustained a protest by Blue Origin of the U.S. Air Force’s National Security Space Launch procurement.
Apr 22, 2019
A test of abort thrusters destroyed the capsule that had returned from an unmanned test flight to the International Space Station.
Mar 31, 2017
Elon Musk achieved a major step toward his goal of lowering the cost of space launch March 30 with the successful relaunch and recovery of a “used” Falcon 9 first stage on a commercial orbital mission.
Feb 27, 2017
SpaceX has two paying customers for a lunar flyaround, and will try to send them on their way before the end of 2018, founder Elon Musk said Feb. 27.
Feb 19, 2017
The launch marks a shift for the historic Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral from government to commercial launches.
Nov 18, 2019
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Nov. 18 sustained a protest by Blue Origin of the U.S. Air Force’s National Security Space Launch procurement.
Apr 22, 2019
A test of abort thrusters destroyed the capsule that had returned from an unmanned test flight to the International Space Station.
Mar 31, 2017
Elon Musk achieved a major step toward his goal of lowering the cost of space launch March 30 with the successful relaunch and recovery of a “used” Falcon 9 first stage on a commercial orbital mission.
Feb 27, 2017
SpaceX has two paying customers for a lunar flyaround, and will try to send them on their way before the end of 2018, founder Elon Musk said Feb. 27.
Feb 19, 2017
The launch marks a shift for the historic Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral from government to commercial launches.
Jan 14, 2017
Elon Musk’s SpaceX restored some of its luster Jan. 14 with the launch of a Falcon 9 for the first time since an on-pad explosion on Sept. 1.
Apr 14, 2016
New Zealand-based space launch company Rocket Lab has completed the qualification of the second stage of the Electron launch vehicle which will be lofted from a newly constructed site on the east coast of the country’s North Island.
Mar 16, 2015
Built for Paris-based Eutelsat and Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) of Bermuda, the electric propulsion spacecraft need eight months to reach their final orbit, creating a lag between their March 1 launch and their ability to generate revenue.