New Small Launchers are in Decline
Outside of the established companies, investment in small US launchers has slowed to a crawl, forcing dozens of companies to go dormant, or pivot to defense.
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Gravitics to Demo Orbital Carrier for DoD
Gravitics expects to demonstrate Orbital Carrier’s ability to operate in space and deploy assets on orbit as early as next year.
Airbus Buys First Batch of Astroscale Satellite Removal Docking Plates
The purchase marks the first large-scale order for Astroscale, which has flown two test missions demoing close-proximity operations and rendezvous and docking tech in LEO.
Former Astronauts Rally Behind Jared Isaacman
“Our nation is at a turning point where we face international competition from China, we have the opportunity to promote international cooperation with our partner nations, and we are witnessing radical change in the commercial space sector,” the 28 astronauts wrote in the letter, which was shared last weekend. “We believe that Jared Isaacman is uniquely qualified to lead NASA at this critical juncture.”
Startups Tap Sun, Nukes To Keep Lunar Rovers Kicking
Two US companies have proved that industry can land on the Moon. Now, startups are tackling the next challenge: keeping those missions running for years instead of weeks.
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.
Space Force to Launch 100+ Sats in 2025
The announcement comes amid recent revelations that the military arms race in space is heating up, and the US needs to beef up its posture to keep an advantage.
Star Catcher Beams Power Across Football Field
The demo involved Star Catcher’s system collecting solar energy, then transmitting it more than 100 meters to standard solar arrays—the longest distance power transfer the startup has attempted so far.
ESA Calls for Funding Boost to Meet Long-Term Goals
The space agency laid out its long-term vision for the region’s space sector in its Strategy 2040 document.
State Looking For Industry Input In Colorado Springs
The State Department is asking industry how it can better support American space startups, and it’s looking to kick off the conversation at Space Symposium next month.
Exotrail Inks Multi-Launch Deal with MaiaSpace
After its first successful demonstration, Exotrail is buying up space on launchers.
AIA Shares Top Space Priorities For 2025
The list includes nearly three dozen to-dos for government agencies ranging from the DoD to the FAA to NASA.