Launch
Stories about the companies building a ride to space.
Stoke Space Raises $1B Initial Series E Round
Stoke Space Technologies announced today that it has closed an initial $1B tranche of a Series E round, bringing the company’s total capital raised to $2.3B.
Isar Aerospace Reaches Orbit on Second Attempt
Isar Aerospace became the first European Launcher Challenge startup to reach orbit this weekend, after the second launch attempt of its Spectrum rocket.
PLD Space, HyImpulse Close Major Extension Rounds
This week, two European launch hopefuls—Spain’s PLD Space, and Germany’s HyImpulse Technologies GmbH—closed major extension rounds to support their launch efforts.
SpaceX Announces New Starbase, Louisiana Spaceport
Gwynne Shotwell joined Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry on Tuesday to announce a high-cadence launch site for future Starship operations.
Letara Raises ¥2.6B to Build its Hybrid Rocket Engine Tech
Japanese propulsion startup Letara closed a ¥2.6B ($16M) pre-Series A round to fund the development of its low-cost, hybrid engine tech.
Portal Books Dedicated Falcon 9 Amid Constrained Launch Market
While Thornburg said Portal is expected to take up about half of the fairing with its own spacecraft, it’s working with launch integrator Maverick Space Systems to sell the other half to customers looking for rideshare opportunities in a turbulent market.
SEOPS Doubles Down on Waymaker Dedicated Rideshare Program
The end of SpaceX’s Transporter program could leave a giant hole for space startups looking for cost effective rides to orbit. SEOPS is trying to fill it.
Rocket Lab Enters Europe’s Crowded Launch Market
European launch companies are in for a surprise next month when they get back from holiday. While they were out, Rocket Lab moved into their turf.
Firefly Announces Record Q2 Results
Firefly Aerospace ($FLY) posted its first-ever $100M+ quarter on Tuesday, backed by a fresh slate of launch and defense announcements.
Rocket Lab Unveils GHOST on a Record Quarter
Rocket Lab ($RKLB) unveiled a deployable launch system—dubbed GHOST—designed to enable responsive launch from anywhere in the world.
AFRL Adds $11.7M to Blue Origin’s Point-to-Point Cargo Contract
Blue Origin landed a $11.7M increase to its AFRL contract to study how its launcher can be used to complete point-to-point delivery missions.
Payload Field Guide: European Launchers
Europe is firing on all fronts to stand up new launch capabilities, but the continent isn’t moving as fast as it might hope.
Rocket Lab Expands to Alaska with $266M Launch Contract
Rocket Lab will open up a new launch site at the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska (PSCA) in Kodiak. Launches are expected to begin no earlier than the end of this year.
