Research
Insights and analysis from Payload Research
Charts Defining the Space Industry in Q2: Payload Research
There were 63 total global launches in Q2 2024, a 40% YoY increase. The usual suspects, SpaceX and China, are once again leading the charge.
Starlink Mini Impact and Rapid Terminal Iteration: Payload Research
Last week, SpaceX unveiled the Starlink Mini terminal, a laptop-sized device capable of delivering high speed internet nearly anywhere in the world.
LEO and GEO Satellite Operators Battle it out on EPFD Rules: Payload Research
Late last year, the World Radio communication Conference (WRC-23) approved a proposal to review EPFD (Equivalent Power Flux Density) limits, a critical juncture in rights negotiations between GEO and LEO operators that sets the stage for regulatory action by 2027 or 2031.
A Look Into China’s Defense Payloads: Payload Research
Over the last decade, China has grown its military presence in space to include sophisticated space planes, recon birds, secure comms, SSA, and ASAT capabilities.
Tracking EchoStar’s Subscriber Declines: Payload Research
EchoStar reported another quarter of declining revenue last week as its Hughes Network satellite broadband, TV (Dish + Sling), and retail wireless (Boost Mobile) subscriber base continues to shrink.
Starliner by the Numbers: Payload Research
With Starliner slated to transport crew to the ISS for the first time next week, we’re digging into all the money spent to get here—from NASA’s contributions and seat pricing to the total development expenditures.
Payload Research: China’s 2024 Space Day Updates
China held its annual Space Day conference last week, unveiling new insights into the space program’s hardware development.
Payload Research: Detailing Launch Startup Funding Part 2 (Firefly Aerospace)
Last week, we covered ABL, Relativity, and Stoke funding, three launch startups that have yet to reach orbit. This week, we are focusing on a business that has hit its orbital proof point, Firefly Aerospace.
Payload Research: Detailing Launch Startup Funding
The next few years are make or break for launch startups—either achieve orbit and scale or go the way of Astra and Virgin Orbit.
Payload Research: Q1 Space Industry via Charts
The first three months of 2024 was another busy year for the space industry, underscored by continued growth in SpaceX’s launch cadence and a solid VC funding environment. Below are the four charts defining the quarter.
Inside NASA’s SBIR Phase III Program, By The Numbers: Payload Research
NASA’s SBIR funding—particularly its Phase I & II tracks—has become a vital source of non-dilutive capital for early-stage space startups. At the same time, it has gained a reputation for coming up short in delivering on its larger Phase III programmatic contracts, leaving companies to navigate the “valley of death.”
Payload Research: Tracking Starship’s Progress with Additional Flights on the Horizon
We have entered the Starship era.
Payload Research: Detailing Artemis Vehicle R&D Costs
NASA is on pace to exceed $100B of Artemis funding by FY26, according to nominal dollar data from OIG, NASA budgets, and Payload analysis. The program—which has penciled in its first crewed lunar landing by 2026—is one of the most expensive in NASA history. The enormous costs largely accrue to development of the mission’s vehicle.…
