Top Reads
Launch

SpaceX Launches Starship V3 for the First Time

SpaceX launched its Starship V3 launch vehicle for the first time on Friday, unveiling a full suite of upgrades during the rocket’s twelfth test flight.  

EOEquitiesMilitary

Satellogic Lands $18M+ Defense-Monitoring Contract

The contract marks the company’s first large agreement since it made that strategic shift to persistent-monitoring capabilities.

Equities

Space Markets Emerges From Stealth With Coinbase Ventures Investment

People already trade on future markets for everything from oil, to corn, to gold. Space Markets is asking: Why not space?

VC/PE

Observable Space Raises $90M Series A

Space-tech startup Observable Space has closed a $90M Series A to boost its production of laser and optical hardware—in addition to expanding internationally beyond the US.

VC/PE

Star Catcher Closes $65M Series A

B Capital led the round, which was co-led by Shield Capital and Cerberus Ventures.

VC/PE

Aetherflux Rebrands, Pivots Business—and Raises $275M

To better align with its new business, Aetherflux is rebranding to Cowboy Space Corporation.

LunarVC/PE

Lunar Outpost Closes $30M Series B, Unveils New Rover

The fundraise highlights the huge demand from investors looking to capitalize on NASA’s new vision for the US presence on the Moon.

Military

Guetlein: CBO is ‘Not Estimating What We’re Building’

The head of the Golden Dome program said CBO’s $1.2T cost estimate for the missile-defense program is way off base. 

MilitaryPolicy

CBO Puts $1.2T Price Tag on Golden Dome

The estimate is an order of magnitude larger than the $185B figure proposed by Golden Dome chief Gen. Michael Guetlein in March

MilitaryPolicy

Dems Warn Golden Dome Will Accelerate the Nuclear Arms Race

The Golden Dome missile defense system is intended to protect America—but Democratic lawmakers argue that it would have the opposite effect.   

ExplainerPolaris

Payload Field Guide: Golden Dome

When Golden Dome was first announced (under a different moniker) in January 2025, companies immediately got to work, positioning themselves to compete for the ambitious missile defense program aiming to protect the US.