Launch
Stories about the companies building a ride to space.
NRO Launches First Payload Under New NatSec Contract
The NROL-145 launch is the first under the Space Force’s Phase 3 Lane 1 rubric—a launch contracting mechanism that will spend $5.6B on relatively simple launches with fewer requirements, which might suit new entrants to the national security launch game.
Phantom Space and Ubotica Team Up to Bring AI to Orbit
The volume of data being gathered in space is growing exponentially, and the capacity to ship that data back to Earth is increasingly constrained. That’s why more companies want to analyze their data on orbit. Phantom Space is no different.
Charts Defining the Space Industry in Q1 ‘25
Despite turbulence in public markets, Q1 private space dealmaking was strong—particularly for the launch sector.
The State of Launch 2025
“Physics doesn’t care how much capital you’ve got. Poor engineering decisions don’t care how much capital you’ve got,” said Beck. “For a rocket company to come together to produce a product…and business that works is really, really hard.”
Q1 2025 Global Orbital Launch Attempts by Country
The US further tightened its hold on global launch in Q1
Isar Aerospace’s First Rocket Crashes After Brief Flight
Isar Aerospace has broken the European launch barrier.
ESA Launches its Launcher Challenge
The quickest way to get to space from Europe is to veer left at the UK, fly across the pond, and hitch a ride on a US-built rocket. ESA wants to change that.
NordSpace Unveils SHARP Program for Canadian Defense
Canada is increasingly focused on building up its sovereign defense capabilities to monitor and defend its northern front.
Transporter-13 Rideshare Launches to Orbit
SpaceX’s rideshare missions are always big days for the space industry. Here’s our list highlighting what was on board.
ULA CEO Responds to ‘Inaccurate’ AF Report
“When that was written, it was inaccurate. As we sit here today, it is certainly overtaken by events.”
Intuitive Machines Touches Down—But Its Position Is Unclear
“We think that we’ve been very successful to this point, however I do have to tell you that we don’t believe we’re in the correct attitude on the surface of the Moon yet again,” CEO Steve Altemus said at a press conference on Thursday.
SpaceX’s Starship Flight Ends Early in Somersaults
SpaceX lost its Starship second stage nine minutes into its eighth test flight Thursday, scattering debris over the Carribean—a scene nearly identical to its last failed test flight in January.
Etlaq Spaceport Releases 2025 Launch Schedule
Etlaq is attempting to alleviate the world’s launch capacity problem by offering regional and international companies tailored facilities to test, integrate, and launch their vehicles to orbit.
