Launcher

Economy could dampen growth of space industry
Broader economic issues as well as the performance of some space companies could slow the growth of the industry in the next few years, executives warn.

Launcher wins Space Force contract to support engine development
Launcher won a $1.7 million contract from the U.S. Space Force that will assist the company’s development of a high-performance rocket engine for its small launch vehicle.

Launcher announces customers for first Orbiter space tug mission
Launch vehicle and in-space transportation services company Launcher has filled the manifest for the first flight of its space tug later this year with a mix of commercial and academic payloads.

Launcher buys additional SpaceX rideshare missions
Launcher has purchased slots on three more SpaceX rideshare missions for its Orbiter tug as it continues development of a small launch vehicle.

Launcher to develop orbital transfer vehicle
Small launch vehicle company Launcher announced June 15 that it is also working on an orbital transfer vehicle for small satellites that it plans to use on both its own rocket as well as SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

Launcher raises $11.7 million Series A round
Small launch vehicle developer Launcher has raised $11.7 million in a Series A funding round, which the company says puts it on a path to reaching orbit with a fraction of the total investment of other launch startups.

Launcher opens California facility to develop small launch vehicle
Small launch vehicle company Launcher has moved across the country to California as it takes its next steps in the development of its rocket.

Launcher to test engines at Stennis
Small launch vehicle startup Launcher has signed an agreement with the Stennis Space Center to test engines at the Mississippi facility.

Air Force funding keeps Launcher development on track
Launcher won its first government funding when the U.S. Air Force awarded the the Brooklyn-based startup $1.5 million to accelerate development and testing of its E-2 rocket engine.

Supply chain expands to meet demand for 3D-printed space parts
It’s not clear whether the additive manufacturing supply chain will expand rapidly enough to meet growing demand for 3D-printed parts for spacecraft or launch vehicles.

Launcher takes long-term view of small launch market
A startup that recently hired an experienced Ukrainian engineer is taking a long-term view for development of a small launch vehicle, believing that performance will win out over time.