Commercial
China sets new national launch record with Kuaizhou-1A mission
China set a new national record for orbital launches in a calendar year with the launch of a commercial remote sensing satellite on a Kuaizhou-1A solid rocket Wednesday.
Verizon announces intent to use Amazon’s planned Project Kuiper constellation
Verizon Communications is working with Amazon to develop solutions for its proposed Project Kuiper megaconstellation, with the aim of using the satellites to extend connectivity services to more rural and remote communities across the United States.
UK funds studies to remove two spacecraft from LEO
The UK Space Agency has awarded study contracts for a mission to remove two spacecraft from low Earth orbit by 2025.
Hedron, formerly Analytical Space, raises $17.8 million
Hedron, the company formerly called Analytical Space, raised $17.8 million in a Series A fundraising round.
Rogozin says Crew Dragon safe for Russian cosmonauts
The head of Roscosmos says he is now satisfied that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon is safe enough to carry Russian cosmonauts, clearing a major obstacle for an agreement to exchange seats between Soyuz and commercial crew vehicles.
SES-17 takes flight with eyes on soaring commercial aviation market
Arianespace has successfully launched the heaviest satellite SES has ever ordered, marking a cornerstone for a multi-orbit network that is seeing surging demand from commercial aviation customers.
Blue Origin and Sierra Space announce plans for commercial space station
An industry group led by Blue Origin and Sierra Space, and including several other companies and organizations, announced plans Oct. 25 to cooperate on the development of a commercial space station.
ABL Space Systems raises $200 million
Small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems has raised an additional $200 million, just seven months after a $170 million round.
Airbus Ventures invests in Tokyo-based ispace
Airbus Ventures announced an investment Oct. 25 in ispace, the Toyko-based company preparing to send its first lander to the moon next year.
IAI announces new small GEO satellite bus
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has developed a small geostationary orbit communications satellite bus intended to provide a low-cost spacecraft with an advanced payload to customers that don’t require a larger satellite.
Op-ed | An Orbital Address for All
For the sake of Earth and humanity, it’s time for private enterprise and governments to co-invest to expand human activity in low Earth orbit.
Space Adventures no longer planning Crew Dragon flight
Space Adventures has dropped plans to fly space tourists on a high-altitude Crew Dragon flight but has not ruled out revisiting the mission concept in the future.
SpaceX Boca Chica environmental review draws strong public support and criticism
SpaceX performed a static-fire test of a Starship vehicle Oct. 21 as debate continues about an environmental assessment of the company’s proposed launch operations in Texas.
Nanoracks and Lockheed Martin partner on commercial space station project
Nanoracks, its majority owner Voyager Space and Lockheed Martin, will collaborate on the development of a commercial space station as others in industry warn of a potential space station gap.
Analysis: Space Force endorsement not enough to incentivize debris removal industry
The U.S. government’s indecision about how to manage the space debris problem is delaying private investments and efforts to develop space cleanup businesses, says a new white paper from the consulting firm Avascent.
Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler to retire after financial restructuring
Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler plans to retire after the satellite operator emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
