Commercial space
Major operator consolidation is a long time coming
Mergers between even small operators have been few and far between in an industry where nationalistic protectionism and unique regulations often inhibit deal-making.
Riding the consolidation wave
A surge of mergers between major satellite operators is rippling through the broader commercial space industry, promising more change in what are already transformational times for the market.
Escaping Gravity and the struggle to reshape NASA
Former NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver has written a book about her time at the agency. Rand Simberg reviews the book with a focus on Garver’s efforts to put NASA on a new course that leveraged commercial capabilities.
Foust Forward | Getting comfortable with orbital space tourism
With uncertain demand for private researchers or astronauts from other national space agencies, companies will need to be open to every market, including tourists, to close their business cases.
On National Security | DoD’s internet-in-space a win for commercial space
The Space Development Agency is overseeing the Defense Department’s first major procurement of small satellites in low Earth orbit, a trend that has accelerated in the commercial industry as companies plan ever-larger megaconstellations.
On National Security | Private money accelerating overdue innovation in military space
Private space pursuits are captivating the public’s attention, creating excitement and fueling investments and innovation across the entire industry.
Foust Forward | Inspiration and resilience in commercial human spaceflight
Inspiration4 may not have changed humanity, but it was clearly a step forward for commercial space.
Military building an appetite for commercial space services
The U.S. Space Force is eager to tap into the vibrant commercial market for space services enabled by increasingly capable small satellites and cheaper access to orbit.
Op-ed | Artemis will accelerate the commercial space sector
“The critics of NASA’s Artemis program are correct about one thing,” writes Christian Zur of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “the commercial space sector is an emerging juggernaut. However...the economic growth will come once new capabilities become cost effective and accessible.”
Op-ed | Do not cancel space station’s new culture of commercial cooperation
The announcement of NASA’s plans to end discounted pricing is not just short sighted. It reeks of sabotage.
DoD grapples with how to bring in new space technology to military systems
DoD has to transition to a space architecture that takes advantage of emerging technologies, Steve Butow, director of the Defense Innovation Unit’s space portfolio, said at the SmallSat Symposium.
Beyond exits: Entrepreneurs look back on forming and selling space startups
In recent commercial space acquisitions, founders largely have remained with the businesses they established or moved on to form new space companies. Two exceptions are Roccor co-founder Doug Campbell and Scott Larson, who co-founded UrtheCast and Helios Wire.
Study: As space industry offers more services, government missing out on opportunities
A new study by the Aerospace Corp. says there are growing opportunities for national security agencies to buy commercial services.
DoD space strategy highlights role of private sector
DoD says the growth of commercial space capabilities has added complexity to the space operating environment.
Venture capital slowdown a concern for military space programs, analysts warn
Todd Harrison: “If we want to be competitive we don’t want to lose this vital part of the space industrial base.”
Op-ed | U.S. should think about the space economy as a single entity
Government and industry leaders have to bridge the gap between government and commercial space.
Space industry group warns small companies will not survive crisis without stimulus
CSF President Eric Stallmer: “The large companies will weather the storm. I’m worried about their suppliers."
Op-ed | Proliferated LEO is risky but necessary
The world is moving inexorably to proliferated constellations. This is a logical progression and generally a good thing. But like many good things, it is not without risks.
2010-2019: The decade in space
It was a decade of enormous change. When it began, SpaceX was on the ropes, cubesats were teaching tools, NASA’s lunar ambitions were back on hold and no one in Washington was calling for a Space Force.
Foust Forward | The perils of prediction in spaceflight
The end of the year, and especially the end of a decade, prompts reflections on what’s taken place over the last 12 or 120 months. But it’s also an opportunity to look ahead and try to predict what will happen in the year or decade to come.
