AnalysisLaunch

2023 Orbital Launches, by Country

2023 was a record-setting year for global launch.

Business

Terran Orbital Nabs Rivada Payment

Terran Orbital ($LLAP) announced yesterday it received a key Rivada Space Networks milestone payment for its mega-contract to build 300 internet satellites after months of delays.

LaunchMilitary

SpaceX Launches the Pentagon’s X-37B Spaceplane

SpaceX launched the Space Force’s X-37B aboard a Falcon Heavy on Dec. 28 after a few weeks of delays.

AnalysisBusiness

Space Markets: The Year in Review

It has been a year in space markets.

Business

FCC Reaffirms its Decision to Deny Starlink $886M Subsidy  

The FCC upheld its 2022 decision to deny Starlink an $886M Rural Digital Opportunity Fund subsidy aimed at expanding internet connectivity into rural areas.

Business

AstroForge Provides an Update on its Brokkr-1 Demo Mission 

Asteroid mining startup AstroForge provided a detailed update on its Brokkr-1 satellite demo mission in a blog post yesterday, revealing several hiccups it encountered and a three-month blitz to complete its refinery mission. 

BusinessVC/PE

Helicity Raises $5M for In-Space Fusion Propulsion 

Helicity Space, an in-space nuclear fusion propulsion startup, nabbed a $5M seed round to begin developing its novel engine. 

Civil

The GAO Calls on the FAA to Improve its Mishap Investigation Process

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) says the FAA should be taking the lead more often when things go awry in spaceflight.

International

Iran Launches Bio-Capsule to Space

Iran said it had successfully launched a bio-capsule to a height of 130 km as it sets a goal of sending humans to space by the end of the decade.

Launch

SpaceX May Test Propellant Transfer on Next Starship Flight

SpaceX is advancing toward testing propellant transfer capability on its Starship Human Landing System (HLS), a significant milestone in its lunar transport architecture. 

Business

Exolaunch Signs Launch Services Deal with Capella Space

Exolaunch will provide integration and launch mission management for Capella Space’s Acadia-5 satellite, which is slated for launch on SpaceX’s Transporter 11 mid-next year. 

Business

Amazon Buys Three-Launch Deal with SpaceX to Deploy its Project Kuiper Satellites

SpaceX is set to deliver Amazon’s satellite packages.

BusinessVC/PE

Ursa Major Nabs $138M of Funding 

Rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major has raised $138M of funding this year to develop its recently unveiled Lynx solid rocket motor production process and support its other propulsion programs, the company announced Thursday.