Space Commerce Week

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A weekly newsletter published to the community highlighting the news of the week and letting you know who our podcast guest is that week. We will look ahead to the coming week to see what's happening and let you know. www.exterrajsc.com

  1. 6 DGN GELEDEN

    First Deorbit-as-a-Service Contract Awarded to Starfish Space

    The U.S. Space Force Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded a $52.5 million contract to Starfish Space to provide Deorbit-as-a-Service (DaaS) for satellites within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The award is the first such contracted mission for end-of-life satellite disposal service for any provider. Under the contract, Starfish Space will build, launch, and operate an Otter spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) to safely and efficiently dispose of SDA satellites at the end of their operational lives. The mission begins with an initial deorbit, with options for multiple additional deorbits, enabled by Otter’s significant capacity and ability to service several satellites in a single mission. As LEO constellations continue to expand and require refresh cycles, operators must put more emphasis on managing end-of-life disposal safely, reliably, and at scale. Until now, operators have only had two options for managing end-of-life: actively deorbit satellites prematurely to mitigate risk of early failure and resulting operational hazards, or fly satellites for longer and contend with increasing debris and collision risks across their constellation. With Deorbit-as-a-Service, operators have a better alternative: maximize the operational life and value of their constellations and rely on vendors to dispose of any satellites which cannot dispose of themselves. The mission, which is targeting a 2027 launch date, will demonstrate how commercial Deorbit-as-a-Service can support both government and commercial constellation operators, maximizing the value and capabilities LEO operators can derive from their constellations as they continue to scale. ### In a related development, the European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a contract valued at more than $475,000 to Astroscale UK to lead the design of the In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service (IRUS). The novel mission concept is designed to lead to technology that will enable satellites to be upgraded, repaired, and extended while in orbit. This initiative supports ESA’s Space Safety Program, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to reducing orbital risks and ensuring safe operations for future generations. With the involvement of the spacecraft manufacturer and operator BAE Systems in the role of a future in-orbit servicing client, IRUS represents a major step towards a circular space economy, where satellites are maintained, repaired and enhanced in orbit rather than treated as single-use. Developing this new capability will pave the way for more complex In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities – as refurbishment and upgrading are essential precursors to assembling and manufacturing platforms in space. The eight-month Phase A study contract will develop the technical groundwork and commercial case for in-orbit refurbishment and upgrading services. The team will explore how robotic and servicing technologies can safely connect with and refurbish satellites already in orbit, assessing the technical feasibility and commercial viability of upgrading a satellite or extending its life through replacing degraded or out-of-date subsystems such as batteries, solar panels and on-board computers. ### The Optical (laser) Satellite Communication Market is projected to grow from $620 million in 2025 to $1.56 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 20.4%, according to a new report from MarketsandMarkets. The market is growing steadily, driven by a growing need for secure, high-capacity data links across space missions, defense applications, and commercial satellite networks. Improvements in laser terminal pointing and tracking systems, along with AI-based link management, are making these systems more reliable and easier to operate. The demand is rising for high-capacity inter-satellite links, secure data transmission, and low-latency connectivity across LEO and multi-orbit satellite constellations. The optical (laser) satellite communication market is driven by the need for high-throughput and secure data links to support growing satellite data traffic. There is an increase in the adoption of laser inter-satellite links in LEO constellations, and demand for low-latency connectivity across defense and commercial missions is a key growth factor. By component, the Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) module segment is projected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. By application, the network backbone and relay communications segment is expected to see the highest growth, driven by the use of optical intersatellite links to build space-based mesh networks that reduce dependence on ground stations. North American accounted for a 67.9% market revenue share in 2024. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. ### A milestone year has been reported by Astra, showing $45 million in revenue for 2025, breakeven EBITDA and 100% satellite engine mission reliability. The company says it has shipped 110 satellite engine systems in the past calendar year, surpassing a key operating milestone set when the company went private in 2024. Astra shipped the 110 systems with a team of approximately 100 employees, reflecting operating leverage driven by tighter process gating, increased automation, and execution discipline across manufacturing, test, and their supply chain. All systems are designed, manufactured, and tested at Astra’s Alameda, California facility. A series F funding round coming in at just under $130 million has been closed by Interstellar Technologies through a third-party allotment of new shares. The round was completed with the investments from SBI Group, Nomura Real Estate Development, B Dash Venture, SMBC Edge, and existing shareholders, in addition to the previously announced investors, and represents one of the largest fundraising efforts to date by a privately held space startup in Japan. The round, led by Woven by Toyota, raised $95.5 million through a third-party allotment of preferred shares in an up-round. In addition, the company secured just over $34.2 million in debt financing from financial institutions, including loan facilities with stock acquisition rights provided by the Japan Finance Corporation. Alongside the fundraising, secondary transactions with existing shareholders were also conducted to optimize the company’s capital structure. Nomura Securities provided advisory support in this series, including the introduction of several potential investors, some of which resulted in fundraising. The funds raised in this round will be used primarily for the development of first ZERO orbital launch vehicle, strengthening the manufacturing system toward future commercialization, and the research and development of satellites, thereby driving further expansion of both businesses. ### Launch timing for the BlueBird 7 mission has been announced by AST SpaceMobile. The launch is currently scheduled for late February from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch vehicle. Identical to BlueBird 6, BlueBird 7 is the second satellite in AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation campaign. At nearly 2,400 square feet, it features the largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, 3.5 times larger than BlueBirds 1-5. Its size and design, built on significant technical innovation and supported by more than 3,800 patent and patent-pending claims, enable peak data rates of up to 120 Mbps space-based broadband connectivity for voice, data, and streaming. The next generation BlueBirds are designed to be compatible with all major launch vehicles. Future missions on New Glenn are expected to deliver up to 8 next generation BlueBirds per flight, with its seven-meter fairing enabling twice the payload volume of five-meter class commercial launch systems. ### In depth this week, the satellite industry faced a supply chain nightmare in 2022, with critical components like optical communication terminals and radiation-hardened processors backordered for 18 months. Industry analysts predicted widespread deployment delays that would cripple the booming constellation business. But those delays never materialized—at least not for commercial operators. (Paywall) According to industry data, constellation operators achieved 94% of their planned launch targets despite the crisis. SpaceX launched 96 missions in 2023 alone, more than all other launch providers worldwide combined. OneWeb finished deploying its 648-satellite constellation on schedule by 2023. The secret? Commercial operators rebuilt their supply chains from scratch rather than waiting for global markets to recover. Companies like SpaceX doubled down on vertical integration, manufacturing critical components in-house at their Redmond, Washington facility—a strategy industry veterans initially dismissed as inefficient. The approach created what one analysis calls “a parallel manufacturing economy” built on three pillars: making components internally, stockpiling critical parts, and simplifying satellite designs to reduce dependencies. The strategy worked. While component shortages were real—German optical terminal maker Mynaric nearly went bankrupt before being acquired—commercial operators maintained their production pace through manufacturing flexibility unavailable to competitors. The exception highlights the rule: The Space Development Agency, bound by government procurement regulations, experienced exactly the delays commercial operators avoided on their Tranche 1 satellite constellation. Industry observers say these manufacturing changes aren’t temporary fixes but represent a permanent shift in constellation economics, widening the gap between operators controlling their own production and those relying on traditional supply chains. Paid subscribers can read the full analysis on The Journal of Space Commerce under the S

    13 min

  2. 25 JAN

    A Congressional Call for a Strong Space Economy

    Bipartisan legislation to provide regulatory predictability to the satellite industry, boost high-speed Internet access, and ensure American space leadership has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). The SAT Streamlining Act establishes a clear, one-year deadline for the FCC to make a decision on a license application. These changes would help expand broadband access to underserved areas, and incentivize commercial satellite operators to base operations in the United States over foreign jurisdictions where satellite application processes may be less burdensome. The legislation also standardizes “market access” for foreign satellite systems operating in the United States by capping licenses at 15 years, aligning them with the 15-year approval term applied to U.S. companies. The legislation establishes strict deadlines for the FCC to act on applications. The agency would have one year to approve or deny applications for satellite licenses, including those for geostationary and non-geostationary orbit space stations and earth stations. If the FCC misses these deadlines, applications would be automatically approved. For license renewals, the FCC would have 180 days to make decisions. Minor technical modifications to licenses would need to be processed within 90 days, while certain equipment replacement requests would get expedited 30-day reviews. Tom Stoup is the president of the Satellite Industry Association. He says the industry will benefit greatly from a standardized process. “Members of Congress realize that the industry has grown so rapidly that we need to find ways to be able to expedite the licensing process. And I think in a nutshell, that’s really it,” Stroup said. “I mean, it’s just like The FCC has done a great job of dealing with some of the backlog and applications. And there’s a proceeding at the FCC on creating a new set of rules with their modernization proceeding. And I think, again, it all ties into a recognition of the growth in the industry and the importance of the national economy.” The bill emphasizes that the U.S. space industry is vital for the economy and job creation. It aims to ensure America maintains global leadership in commercial space by modernizing regulatory processes to keep pace with industry innovation. -0- A new demonstrator called Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN (Space Radio Access Network) has been launched into orbit. Its mission is to enable standardized global connectivity by exploring advanced 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities. This demonstrator aims to explore the 5G NTN, a versatile connectivity technology compatible with all types of business applications. The demonstration will confirm the feasibility of providing universal connectivity that is standardized, interoperable, and globally available for commercial, defence or governmental use. Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN will leverage Airbus’ software-defined satellite 1 capabilities to manage and optimize 5G signals in orbit. By processing data directly in space rather than simply relaying it, the demonstrator 2 will prove that we can reduce latency, maximize data throughput, and enable more efficient network management and routing, opening the door to user-to-user direct connectivity. Developed as part of Air!5G, a project supported by the French government through the France 2030 investment plan under the Future Networks strategy, this demonstrator is expected to show its first results by 2028. -0- In anticipation of its Initial Public Offering, York Space Systems has launched the roadshow for the IPO of 16,000,000 shares of its common stock. In addition, York intends to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,400,000 shares of its common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The initial public offering price is expected to be between $30 and $34 per share. York has applied to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “YSS.” A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. The Journal of Space Commerce is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. The first Rocket Lab launch of 2026 successfully lifted two spacecraft into orbit for European space technology company, Open Cosmos. That’s Murielle Baker is the Director of Corporate and Launch Communications at Rocket Lab. “On board Electron today are two small sats by Open Cosmos that are heading to a 1,050 kilometer low Earth orbit at an 89 degree inclination. The pair will verify new capabilities that Open Cosmos is developing, and it is the first time flying on Electron for the Open Cosmos team. The mission ‘The Cosmos Will See You Now’ lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 11:52 p.m. local time on January 22. The two spacecraft were deployed into an ≈652 mile low Earth orbit. It was the company’s 80th electron launch overall. The story was a bit different at Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, Virginia however. Rocket Lab released a statement saying that qualification testing of the Stage 1 tank for its larger Neutron rocket Wednesday night resulted in a rupture during a hydrostatic pressure trial. The company stressed that testing failures are not uncommon during qualification testing, and that structures are intentionally stressed to their limits to validate structural integrity and safety margins and ensure the robust requirements for a successful launch can be comfortably met. The Company intends to provide an update on the Neutron schedule during its 2025 Q4 earnings call in February. -0- Integration has begun on the Vast Haven-1 commercial space station. Scheduled to be the world’s first private space station, Haven-1 is designed as a standalone, crewed station and serves as the first step for Haven-2, a multi-module station capable of supporting a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO) that is Vast’s proposed successor to the ISS. The first phase of Haven-1 integration includes installation of the station’s pressurized fluid systems, including thermal control, life support, and propulsion system tubes, and component trays and tanks. These systems will undergo pressure, leak, and functional testing. The second phase of integration will incorporate avionics, guidance, navigation and control systems, and air revitalization hardware. The third and final phase will complete the vehicle with crew habitation and interior closeouts, exterior micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shielding, thermal radiator installation, and solar array integration, bringing Haven-1 to a fully flight-ready configuration. Based on the current integration timeline, Vast is updating its schedule for Haven-1 to be ready to launch Q1 2027. -0- The polar region satellite communications industry is on the verge of significant expansion, driven by increasing technological advancements and growing needs for connectivity in extreme environments. According to new analysis from The Business Research Company, as demand intensifies for robust communication systems in the Arctic and Antarctic, the market is set to experience remarkable growth in the coming years. The polar region satellite communications market is anticipated to reach a value of $4.25 billion by 2030, showcasing a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3%. This surge is largely fueled by the deployment of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations specifically focused on polar coverage, integration with Arctic navigation and surveillance systems, and the increasing use of AI-powered communication optimization technologies. Additionally, expanding activities in polar resource exploration and a growing reliance on emergency and disaster communication services further contribute to this robust growth. Key trends expected to shape the market include the expansion of LEO constellations to enhance polar communication, rising demand for resilient systems to support Arctic shipping, increasing scientific research requiring high-bandwidth data transmission, widespread adoption of portable satellite terminals for fieldwork, and advancements in high-frequency Ka- and Ku-band solutions designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. One critical driver of market expansion is the rollout of low-earth orbit satellite constellations tailored for polar regions. These constellations improve connectivity and coverage in remote areas, supporting a variety of applications from scientific missions to commercial operations. -0- In depth this week, Congress has handed NASA its biggest budget in nearly three decades, and with it, a clear mandate: put commercial space companies at the center of America’s future in orbit and on the Moon. (Paywall) On January 15, lawmakers approved a $27.5 billion package for NASA for fiscal year 2026, combining traditional appropriations with a special reconciliation bill. The move reverses a proposed 24 percent cut from the Trump administration and instead boosts funding for exploration systems, science, and new commercial space stations in low Earth orbit. It also cements a bipartisan deal that treats commercial partnerships not as experiments, but as national infrastructure. At the heart of the shift is a new role for NASA as an “anchor customer” rather than the builder and operator of its own spacecraft and stations. Reauthorization language led by Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz instructs the agency to use commercial capabilities “as appropriate and practicable” for lunar missions, cargo runs, and low Earth orb

    16 min

  3. 18 JAN

    SkyFi Secures $12.7 Million Series A Funding

    AI-first Earth intelligence platform SkyFi has announced that it has raised $12.7 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. The round was co-led by Buoyant Ventures and IronGate Capital Advisors. This investment will accelerate product development and enhance SkyFi’s technology, including its platform’s user interface and analytical tools. Additionally, the company plans to forge new partnerships with satellite operators to expand its on-demand data offerings and AI-enabled analytic capabilities for leading commercial and government customers worldwide. Kirk Konert, managing partner at AE Industrial Partners, explains what “Series A” is, and what comes next. “Series A is; you’ve actually sold your product, now you need the money to actually go make that product or software. Series B is; you’ve taken that next step and have won a significant contract. Now you need help scaling from a prototype to a full manufacturing product. And then Series C; now you have multiple products you need to make. Now you need growth capital.” SkyFi’s growing network of more than 50 geospatial imagery partners currently provides optical, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), hyperspectral, and aerial imagery, as well as data analytics, to industries including defense, energy, finance, infrastructure and construction, environmental services, agriculture, insurance, and mining. -0- Intuitive Machines has completed its acquisition of Lanteris Space Systems (“Lanteris”), formerly Maxar Space Systems. The acquisition, first announced in November 2025, was completed for $800 million before closing adjustments, consisting of $450 million in cash and $350 million in Intuitive Machines Class A common stock. Lanteris’ Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and geostationary satellites support missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness. The acquisition aligns with the Intuitive Machines vision, strengthening the company’s position as a vertically integrated next generation space prime that is able to build, connect, and operate end-to-end mission solutions unique to the marketplace today. -0- A couple of notable market reports were released this week, both from MarketsandMarkets. The reporting company noted that the Small Satellite Market is projected to grow from $9.35 billion in 2025 to $32.13 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 28.0%. Increased demand for affordable space missions, more frequent launches, and expanded use in communications, Earth observation, and defense applications are all expected to contribute to the upswing. One major factor is the expansion of LEO constellations for broadband and Earth observation. Increased government use of small satellites for ISR, PNT, and tactical communications is creating steady institutional demand. Additionally, falling manufacturing and launch costs are enabling shorter replacement cycles and more frequent satellite launches. The rising need for high-revisit data in downstream applications is further boosting the adoption of large, scalable small satellite constellations. The fastest-growing segment in the small satellite market is the commercial sector, as more companies are using satellites for data and revenue-generating services. Commercial satellite operators, telecom firms, and service providers are deploying small satellite constellations to provide broadband connectivity, high-resolution Earth imagery, and continuous monitoring. A subset of that market, the Earth Observation Small Satellite Market is projected to grow from $2.64 billion in 2025 to $5.52 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 15.9%. The increasing need for high-frequency Earth observation data drives the EO small satellite market. This data supports planning across defense, environmental management, and commercial analytics. The 222-2,650 pound mini satellite segment is expected to account for the largest market share in the EO small satellite market during the forecast period. The satellite bus segment is projected to account for the largest market share in the EO small satellite industry during the forecast period. The growth is driven by the increasing demand for modular, reliable, and power-efficient bus platforms. The FCC has granted a major authorization to Space Exploration Holdings to advance its second-generation Starlink satellite system, marking a significant milestone in global broadband connectivity. Under this grant, SpaceX is authorized to construct, deploy, and operate an additional 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites, bringing the total to 15,000 satellites worldwide. This expansion will enable SpaceX to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet service globally, including enhanced mobile and supplemental coverage from space. The FCC’s decision benefited in particular from the work and collaboration provided by the Commerce Department and NTIA. The FCC’s decision allows SpaceX to upgrade the Gen2 Starlink satellites with advanced form factors and cutting-edge technology; waive obsolete requirements that prevented overlapping beam coverage and enhanced capacity; add new orbital shells at altitudes ranging from 211 to about 300 miles, optimizing coverage and performance; and provide direct-to-cell connectivity outside the United States and supplemental coverage within the U.S., paving the way for next-generation mobile services. -0- Eutelsat, meanwhile, has awarded a contract to Airbus to build an additional 340 OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Together with the previous batch of 100 satellites procured in December 2024, the total number of satellites ordered is up to 440. The satellites will be manufactured at Airbus Defense and Space’s Toulouse facility on a newly installed production line, with delivery beginning at the end of 2026. Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network delivers high-speed, low-latency connectivity on a global basis. The availability of these latest satellites will assure full operational continuity for customers of the constellation, progressively replacing early batches coming to end of operational life. Additionally, they will integrate technology upgrades including advanced digital channelizers, enabling enhanced onboard processing capabilities as well as greater efficiency and flexibility. -0- A key milestone for future human spaceflight has been reached with the successful completion of shock and vibration tests on advanced, gravity-independent fuel cell technology developed by Nimbus Power Systems. The tests simulated the anticipated mechanical loads, including launch, for NASA’s upcoming Artemis crewed missions to the Moon. The fuel cell met all performance targets throughout the tests, demonstrating the system’s structural and operational readiness for future flight integration. Fuel cells react oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity, heat, and potable water, three vital resources for crewed space operations. Nimbus’ innovative water management technology removes product water via a combination of capillary and hydraulic forces that are uncompromised by the space environment. Blue Origin currently licenses Nimbus Power System’s fuel cell technology for its Blue Moon Lunar Lander program and other space applications. -0- In-Depth this week, CEOs are rewriting the rules of supply chains in an era defined not by efficiency, but by endurance. (Paywall) Over the last decade, pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, cyber‑attacks, climate disruptions, and inflation have exposed the fragility of global supply systems—built for efficiency, not resilience. The result? Shipping delays, material shortages, and data breaches are now the norm. Today’s leaders must think like engineers of continuity—not just maintainers of convenience. That means mapping vulnerabilities throughout the network and planning for “five disruptions from now,” not just the next quarter. Africa is at the center of this shift. With 1.4 billion people and a young workforce, the continent has massive growth potential. But logistics inefficiencies add nearly 40% to the cost of doing business in parts of Africa. The African Continental Free Trade Area—AfCFTA—could boost intra‑continental trade from about 15% to over 50% by 2035, if countries invest in connectivity. At the heart of this transformation is technology. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT sensors are now tracking goods with surgical precision. But integration is key—automating outdated processes only speeds up failure. Sustainability also matters. Supply chains contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, and for African firms, “green logistics” is becoming essential for accessing both climate finance and market opportunities. * A new playbook for executives includes: * Mapping dependencies and failure points; * Digitizing operations with clear goals; * Diversifying sourcing geographically; * Embedding sustainability into performance metrics; * Building agile, culturally aware teams; * Partnering with governments to modernize trade infrastructure. Supply chains, often called the circulatory system of modern civilization, are now the crucible of corporate leadership. For CEOs, success means not just moving goods, but connecting markets, people, and ideas—fortifying resilience for the next generation of global challenges. Paid subscribers can read the full analysis on The Journal of Space Commerce under the Supply Chain tab. Other premium articles include a look at export controls and Space Commerce; factors contributing to the costs of small satellites; and how space insurance brokers assess risk. Worth a Second Look * Mitsubishi Corporation Joins Starlab as Major Space Station Customer * Robotic Lunar Mission Focused on Recovery of Helium-3 for Fusion Energy * The Dawn of the Aurora Spaceplane Era * Redwire Sunsets Edge Autonomy Brand * Spacecraft for the First Th

    13 min

  4. 11 JAN

    Returning a Legacy Name to Space Commerce

    Private investment firm AE Industrial Partners has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Space Propulsion and Power Systems business of L3Harris Technologies. The transaction encompasses business units across five locations in the U.S., which have developed the upper-stage rocket engines used in national security, civil and commercial missions for more than 60 years, as well as in-space propulsion, nuclear power and avionics assets. L3Harris will retain a minority investment interest and continue to act as a strategic partner to the business. AE Industrial plans to restore and use the “Rocketdyne” name for the acquired business in recognition of its heritage and longstanding innovation within space propulsion technology. AE Industrial Partners Managing Partner Kirk Konert said that in addition to restoring a legacy name to the commercial space industry, the acquisition is part of a new paradigm following a round of company consolidations over the past few decades. “And now what we’re seeing is a kind of de-consolidation and new entrants being introduced into the market, and this is part of that theme in a new way, “Konert said. “Where L3, a prime, has been part of that consolidation over the past couple of decades is now partnering with a specialized investor such as AE Industrial to re-invigorate and stand alone a new platform in Rocketdyne which includes some of the key workhorses of propulsion for our space and national security programs here in the U.S.” The partnership between AE Industrial and L3Harris will also aim to help accelerate the development of future propulsion technologies, including nuclear propulsion, which will be critical to the exploration of Mars and the cislunar domain. We’ll hear more about AE Industrial later in the program. -0- The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has named Rocket Lab as the prime contractor tasked with the design and manufacture of 18 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The award, valued at $816 million, is the company’s largest single contract to date. Under the contract Rocket Lab will deliver satellites equipped with advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors to provide global, persistent detection and tracking of emerging missile threats, including hypersonic systems. The award includes an $806 million base contract plus up to $10.45 million in options. Each satellite will feature Rocket Lab’s next-generation Phoenix infrared sensor payload, a wide field-of-view (WFOV) solution designed to meet the evolving missile defense needs of national security in space. To ensure mission resilience, the satellites will be equipped with Rocket Lab’s advanced StarLite space protection sensors, designed to safeguard the constellation against directed energy threats. Notably, StarLite sensors have also been adopted by other prime contractors developing TRKT3 satellites, further expanding Rocket Lab’s role in the program Rocket Lab’s satellites will be built on its proven Lightning platform, leveraging the company’s vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities to deliver an unmatched combination of speed, cost efficiency, and quality. All major components – from solar arrays, reaction wheels and star trackers to propulsion systems, avionics, payloads, and launch dispensers – are designed and produced in-house. Rocket Lab’s growing role as a prime contractor for the U.S. Space Force highlights its emergence as a formidable competitor to legacy aerospace primes. -0- The global satellite communication market, which was valued at $25.2 billion last year, is expected to grow from $27.6 billion this year to $47.6 billion in 2031 and $83 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 13% during the forecast period. That’s according to a new report published by Global Market Insights. The expansion of demand for internet connectivity, development of small satellite constellations to enhance communications, demand for remote area connectivity, increased demand for IoT & M2M Connectivity, and the integration of 5G with existing infrastructure and new technologies are several factors that propel satellite communications market growth. The growing demand for reliable internet depends on satellite communications expanding into underserved areas. Programs Like NTIA’s Internet for All project highlight the need for equitable access to broadband. For example, in rural areas, over 72% of tribal broadband connectivity program funds were awarded to rural areas, which is why satellite communications is important to provide high-speed communications to areas where terrestrial infrastructure is not available. The analysts found that the rapid expansion of satellite constellations is a key trend in the SATCOM market, as demand for worldwide high-speed broadband is a key factor driving this growth. The Journal of Space Commerce is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. A partnership that could result in the first in-space advanced materials manufacturing facility for the manufacture of semiconductors has been announced by United Semiconductors and Aegis Aerospace. The collaboration follows Aegis Aerospace’s recent grant agreement with the Texas Space Commission to develop an in-space manufacturing platform for advanced materials in low Earth orbit. The Aegis Advanced Materials Manufacturing Platform (AMMP) aims to showcase the unique properties and manufacturing capabilities afforded by the microgravity environment of LEO. By leveraging United Semiconductors’ established expertise as a provider to the U.S. Department of War, this partnership will expedite the commercialization of semiconductor manufacturing in space. As a result, Aegis Aerospace anticipates creating new job opportunities in Texas and offering this innovative service globally. Together, Aegis Aerospace’s AMMP and United Semiconductors products are believed to be the first dedicated commercial facility for in-space materials production. -0- On our most recent edition of The Journal of Space Commerce podcast, Tom Patton talked with Kirk Konert, Managing Partner of AE Industrial Partners, a private investment firm focused on technologies and services considered critical to aerospace and national and economic security. The company was founded in 1998 by father-son team Brian and David Rowe, and currently manages $7.2 billion in assets from their headquarters in Boca Raton, FL. AE Industrial Partners supports multiple verticals in the commercial space sector, with several companies involved in the space supply chain. Company co-founder Brian Rowe came from GE Aviation, and the company still is interested in things that fly, and things that make things fly. The company has also invested in such firms as Firefly Aerospace, York Space Systems, Redwire and others. In fact, Konert said that AEI has been the most active private investment firm in space over the past several years. “We believe space has been at an inflection point in industrialization, where it’s become a key part of our economy and infrastructure for driving our economy globally. And without space as a backbone of that infrastructure our modern day economy sort of collapses at this point.” The company says it makes investments to positively impact its target markets, portfolio companies and the communities within which they operate. Each investment has unique characteristics which requires a flexible approach to meet the needs of all stakeholders. -0- In depth this week (paywall), Jared Isaacman was confirmed December 17th as NASA Administrator, and the next day, President Trump issued an executive order dissolving the National Space Council and mandating Americans return to the Moon by 2028. That timing wasn’t accidental. Together, these moves signal a coordinated restructuring of American space policy, shifting power from traditional aerospace contractors toward commercial providers and fundamentally rewriting the rules for who profits from space exploration. Before confirmation hearings even began, a 62-page document titled “Project Athena” leaked to Politico, revealing Isaacman’s vision in remarkably blunt terms. The plan sorts NASA programs into three categories: accelerate, fix, or delete. That last category has congressional offices scrambling. Project Athena pulls no punches on legacy programs. The Space Launch System—NASA’s heavy-lift rocket that has cost approximately $24 billion in development and flown once—would terminate after Artemis III and potentially Artemis IV. The lunar Gateway space station, consuming years of international partnership development, would be canceled entirely. In their place, Isaacman proposes accelerating commercial lunar landers and focusing deep-space ambitions on Mars missions powered by nuclear electric propulsion. And the plan reserves particularly sharp criticism for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, calling its cost-plus contract structure “outdated” and suggesting JPL should compete like any other contractor rather than receive directed funding. Beyond program cuts, Project Athena targets NASA’s organizational structure. The plan proposes consolidating mission control operations at Johnson Space Center in Houston, potentially stripping responsibilities from other centers. It calls for comprehensive reviews of center “modernization”—language that typically precedes workforce reductions and facility closures. Isaacman’s vision isn’t just about changing which rockets NASA flies; it restructures how the agency operates, shifting from in-house development toward contract oversight. Our in-depth report looks at the ramifications for the commercial space industry given Isaacman’s vision for NASA, and the impacts of Trump’s most recent executive order rela

    15 min

  5. 21-12-2025

    Jared Isaacman is the New Administrator at NASA

    Entrepreneur Jarad Isaacman has been confirmed as the next Administrator of NASA. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted 67-30 in favor of the nomination. Isaacman was first nominated for the job by President Donald Trump in December, 2024, and he appeared to be headed for an easy confirmation. But that was derailed when the nomination was abruptly withdrawn in late May while the confirmation process was underway. Trump re-nominated Isaacman in November, and facing little if any opposition in the Senate, his confirmation is now official. -0- The Florida state budget for FY26 proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis underscores his stated commitment to strengthening Florida’s aerospace sector as it enters a new era of growth. The Governor’s FY26 budget recommendations for Space Florida include $17.5 million in the operating budget and a total of $21 million for strategic, substantive aerospace project investments. Space Florida is a public corporation and innovation connector created by the legislature to facilitate creative financing options and infrastructure access to space companies to the state. The Governor’s budget recommendations for FY26 include investments designed to accelerate industry advancement, modernize and expand space transportation infrastructure, and ensure Florida remains competitive in an increasingly dynamic global space marketplace. In addition to providing over $93 million through the FDOT Spaceport Improvement Program, the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget recommends $10 million to engage the Aerospace Investment Fund in maximizing growth in Florida’s statewide space strategy alongside commercial investments. The space industry in Florida generates more than $9 billion in economic impact potential across all private sector aerospace projects. The state legislature must approve the budget during its annual session early next year, and all of that funding is not guaranteed to make it through the legislative process. -0- Speaking of Space Florida, the agency, in conjunction with Seraphim Space, has launched the SpaceTech Investor Readiness Program, a partnership designed to accelerate innovation and investment across Florida’s growing SpaceTech ecosystem. Seraphim has a portfolio of 148 companies across 32 countries, including five unicorns, that have collectively raised over $8.2 billion in funding. Seraphim and Space Florida will help connect Florida-based startups with investors and key partners to drive growth and investment readiness. The pilot program brings experienced investors together with seven high-potential Florida-based SpaceTech startups, helping them become investment-ready, while connecting them to Seraphim’s global investor network, strategic corporate partners, and the broader Florida space ecosystem. The program also educates local investors on opportunities within the state’s growing SpaceTech sector. The pilot will culminate with a showcase at SpaceCom Orlando in January, highlighting the companies and the program’s impact on Florida’s innovation landscape. -0- When Rocket Lab launched the “Raise and Shine” mission December 15, it carried a demonstration of orbital debris mitigation technology developed by Axelspace. D-SAIL is a deorbiting device designed to shorten the time a satellite remains in orbit after the termination of its operation. The demonstration is part of a JAXA program named ‘Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4’. The D-SAIL demonstration on the RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4) mission is scheduled to begin in late 2026, about a year after launch. This will mark the first time that D-SAIL is operated in orbit. The D-SAIL membrane deploys to increase atmospheric drag, gradually reducing the satellite’s altitude and eventually causing the spacecraft to enter the atmosphere. This year, the FCC enacted rules requiring operators to dispose of their LEO satellites within five years of completing their missions, in a effort to mitigate the accumulation of space debris. The Journal of Space Commerce is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this effort, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. The Global Space Power Supply Market was valued at $3.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow to $7.3 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 8.2%, according to a new report from Global Market Insights. The market growth is propelled by increasing satellite launches, improvements in photovoltaic technologies, rising demand for CubeSats and small satellites, and the growing push toward sustainability. The acceleration of commercial missions and the demand for efficient power systems to support various types of satellite operations continue to create long-term opportunities. Rapid satellite deployment, especially in the form of large constellations for communication, earth monitoring, and navigation applications, adds to the demand. North America leads the global landscape due to its advanced aerospace ecosystem, substantial funding support, cutting-edge research investments, and early adoption of AI in national defense infrastructure. The market is also gaining from strategic collaborations between public agencies and private space technology developers. The low power segment accounted for $939.8 million in 2024. This category thrives due to its compatibility with compact satellites and short-term missions. The solar power systems segment reached $2 billion in 2024. This growth is linked to the rising use of clean energy sources, maturing photovoltaic technologies, and the advantage of uninterrupted solar exposure in space. -0- Investments in three frontier technology companies that are positioned at the center of what could be a fundamental shift in how America builds, powers, and operates critical infrastructure beyond Earth’s surface have been announced by Balerion Space Ventures. The investments in Antares Industries, Samara Aerospace, and Valar Atomics signal the intensifying convergence of space, defense, and industrial-scale energy systems, sectors that are increasingly recognized as foundational to U.S. competitiveness and national security. Balerion’s investment will support product development, facility expansion, and key commercial milestone achievements as each company deepens engagement with defense, civil, and commercial customers. -0- Imagine this: When SpaceX launched the Transporter-15 mission, it carried 140 payloads from over 30 customers in 16 countries onto a single Falcon 9. Some satellites even hosted payloads from other companies. It’s rideshares carrying rideshares—sharing all the way down. In depth this week: Welcome to the sharing economy in space (paywall). The old model—build your own satellite, buy your own launch, and operate your own ground stations—is quietly dying. The hosted payload market reached $2.1 billion in 2024, and is projected to hit $6.8 billion by 2033. Mega-constellations are rapidly expanding, and are forecast to account for $4.27 billion toward $27.3 billion in market share by 2032. The economics are simple. Why pay $50 to $150 million for a dedicated launch when you can rideshare a 440-pound satellite for a few million? Why build global ground networks when Leaf Space, KSAT, or Atlas sell contact time by the minute? And why design custom buses when EnduroSat or K2 Space offer standardized platforms? SpaceX’s Transporter program has launched over 1,000 smallsats since 2021. Transporter-15 showcased the maturity of the concept, deploying dozens of satellites, including CubeSats, tech demos, and orbital transfer vehicles, to custom orbits. Orbital tugs like D-Orbit’s ION and Momentus’ Vigoride solve rideshare’s big limit: everyone starts in the same orbit. They deliver satellites precisely, like catching an Uber after the bus. K2 Space’s Mega platforms raise massive payloads from LEO to MEO fast and efficiently. Ground Segment as a Service turns capex into opex—pay only for passes used, with reliable networks handling thousands monthly. The demand is only expected to continue to grow. SpaceX does launch its own satellites on its own rockets, and Rocket Lab builds both rockets and satellites. But that company also has a solid business case for dedicated and rideshare missions. But most operators of satellite constellations depend on commercial launch operators to carry their payloads to orbit. Many use SpaceX, Amazon Leo, previously Project Kuiper, is riding to orbit aboard ULA launch vehicles, and Blue Origin’s New Glenn reusable heavy lift rocket could also become a SpaceX competitor for rideshare missions. North America leads today, but Asia Pacific is catching up fast. By orbit, LEO dominates for lower latency and costs for applications like satellite-delivered Internet, as well as voice and video connectivity. Do tradeoffs exist? Of course they do. Booking a rideshare mission means less schedule control, orbital compromises without tugs, potential ground access constraints, and security risks for sensitive missions. Yet for most operators, sharing wins—slashing costs and accelerating access. It’s democratizing access to space, though increasing orbital congestion emphasizes the need for better traffic management. So, like software two decades ago, the satellite industry is embracing shared infrastructure for routine missions. Dedicated systems remain for the edges—but the future is shared. Paid subscribers can read the full analysis on The Journal of Space Commerce under the Market Insights tab. And while you’re there, check out our in-depth reports coming regulatory changes for the commercial space industry, and the future for orbital data centers. And that is Space Commerce Week for Sunday, December 21. We’ll be away for the Christmas and New Year’s break, but Space Commerce Week will return on January 11. Have a great holiday season. Worth a Second Look Wireless Power Receiver Added to Blue Ghost Moo

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  6. 14-12-2025

    New Leadership at The Office of Space Commerce

    U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has announced the appointment of Taylor Jordan as Director of the Office of Space Commerce (OSC), underscoring the Trump Administration’s commitment to strengthening U.S. leadership in space commerce. Mr. Jordan will continue to serve concurrently as assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction at NOAA. Jordan brings more than 15 years of space policy and operational experience to the role. He previously served nearly a decade on the staff of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology as the committee’s subject-matter expert on NOAA, environmental satellites, and civil space programs. In that capacity, he was the lead author of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. During President Trump’s first term, Mr. Jordan served as a senior policy advisor at NOAA, where he supported the agency’s satellite programs and provided strategic oversight of major space-system acquisitions. Most recently, he was a principal at Innovative Federal Strategies, advising commercial space and technology companies on legislative and executive-branch engagement. -0- Advanced nuclear energy startup Antares has closed a $96 million Series B funding round. The round was led by Shine Capital, with participation from Alt Capital, Caffeinated, FiftyThree Stations, Industrious, and other investors. The round consists of $71 million in new equity capital and $25 million in debt for equipment, factory build-out, and uranium procurement. Founded just over two years ago, Antares has made rapid progress in technology maturation. The company has raised over $130 million in funding to date and put those resources to work building out a 145,000-square-foot facility in Torrance, California, capable of producing 10 units per year. Antares has also secured contracts with the United States Air Force, Space Force, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and NASA to advance its technology. Antares CEO Jordan Bramble said the new capital will fuel the company’s mission to deliver safe, reliable, and scalable nuclear power solutions. Over the summer, the company conducted an electrically-heated demonstration of its reactor in partnership with NASA at their Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Antares plans to propose on NASA’s Fission Surface Power program, which aims to deliver 100 kWe of nuclear power on the lunar surface by 2030. -0- Funding has been secured by ICEYE to accelerate the company’s delivery of sovereign satellite systems and data intelligence services. The new financing, led by General Catalyst, has broad pan-European participation. ICEYE has secured the equivalent of some $174 million in new funding, as well as a secondary placement of about $58 million, valuing the company at $2.8 billion. The Series E round was led by General Catalyst, with strong pan-European participation. The new capital builds on ICEYE’s strong momentum, powering the continued growth of its SAR constellation and the accelerated deployment of sovereign satellite systems, advanced sensing capabilities, and data intelligence services. SAR uses radar pulses that pierce clouds, smoke, and darkness, providing a continuous view of the Earth that supports rapid response for defense and intelligence, security, disaster response and recovery, insurance, maritime monitoring, and finance. ICEYE is accelerating the shift to software-defined satellites with its fourth-generation platform, which delivers the world’s highest-fidelity commercial SAR imagery of up to 16 cm. With 62 satellites successfully launched to date, the company plans to scale up to an average production rate of one satellite per week starting next year, deploying sovereign space capability for allied nations at unprecedented speed and scale. The Journal of Space Commerce is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Under the leadership of High-Tech Gründerfonds, Marble has successfully closed its oversubscribed $6.2 million seed round, exceeding initial funding targets. The funding supports Marble in scaling operations, accelerating product and technological developments for its upcoming satellite constellation. The first Marble satellite is scheduled for a 2026 launch. This marks another major milestone for the company founded in August 2023, following more than $11.6 million in non-dilutive funding and the signing of Marble’s first anchor contract with ESA valued at about $3.5 million. Marble momentum is also reflected in the latest outcomes of last week’s ESA Ministerial Council 2025 in Bremen. Member states of the European Space Agency committed to a total budget of $25.67 billion for the next three years – the highest funding level in ESA’s history. Particularly encouraging is Germany’s decision to increase its contribution to nearly $6 billion, making it the largest contributor. High-Tech Gründerfonds is one of the leading and most active early-stage investors in Germany and Europe. Its fund investors include numerous corporations and family offices, as well as the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and KfW Capital. In addition, Marble has attracted a strong group of further investors who share the mission. The investment will enable Marble to significantly scale its development team and accelerate completion of its intelligence, maritime, and trafficability tools – solutions that already serve early customers and are now being prepared for broad commercial rollout. It will also support the build-out of Marble’s end-to-end data-processing chain and customer data portal. -0- In brief, the Commercial Space Federation (CSF) has announced its four newest members to its Space Supply Chain Council (S2C2): McCollister’s, MERC Aerospace, Space Markets, and Vivace. Together, these small and medium-sized space businesses represent a diverse cross-section of the commercial space industrial base, from logistics and innovative engineering to marketplace infrastructure and next-generation space technologies. -0- This week’s company spotlight features D-Oribt (paywall), which has established itself as Europe’s leading space logistics company by delivering over 200 payloads to orbit through 21 commercial missions of its proprietary ION Satellite Carrier platform. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Milan, Italy, the company has evolved from a New Space startup into a critical infrastructure provider for the rapidly expanding satellite industry. D-Orbit operates at the intersection of space transportation and logistics, providing what it describes as “last-mile delivery” services for satellites launched on rideshare missions. The company’s core offering centers on the ION Satellite Carrier, a configurable orbital transfer vehicle that transports satellites from their initial deployment orbit to precise operational slots, dramatically reducing the time and cost for satellite operators to begin revenue-generating operations. Unlike traditional rideshare launches that deploy all payloads into a single orbit, D-Orbit’s ION platform uses electric propulsion to maneuver between orbital altitudes and inclinations, delivering each customer’s satellite to its specific destination.​ The company’s business model encompasses four primary revenue streams: precision deployment services for satellites requiring customized orbits, in-orbit demonstration (IOD) services for technology testing, hosted payload services for customers who need orbital access without building complete spacecraft, and mission control as a service. The ION Satellite Carrier represents D-Orbit’s core technological asset—a satellite platform with a configurable payload bay that can accommodate various combinations of launch dispensers, CubeSat-sized payloads, microsatellites, and instruments for in-orbit testing. The platform employs electric propulsion systems that enable precise orbital maneuvers while maintaining fuel efficiency for extended mission durations. ION’s modular architecture allows D-Orbit to customize each vehicle for specific mission requirements, whether deploying a constellation of small satellites or hosting technology demonstration payloads.​ The orbital transfer vehicle market is experiencing rapid growth driven by the proliferation of satellite constellations and increasing demand for on-orbit services. Market research firm GM Insights estimates the OTV market was valued at $1.70 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.98 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 15.2%. This expansion reflects fundamental changes in satellite deployment economics, where rideshare launches have reduced launch costs but created new demand for precise orbital delivery services.​​ D-Orbit competes in this market against both established aerospace primes and emerging New Space companies. Primary competitors include Impulse Space, founded by SpaceX’s first employee Tom Mueller and recently securing $300 million in funding for high-energy orbital transfer capabilities, Momentus Inc., which has faced operational and regulatory challenges, Rocket Lab USA, leveraging its Photon spacecraft platform for OTV missions, and Starfish Space, focusing on satellite servicing and life extension. Traditional aerospace companies including Sierra Space, ArianeGroup, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are also developing OTV capabilities.​ D-Orbit’s competitive advantage rests on its operational track record—21 completed commercial missions and over 200 payloads successfully deployed represent more flight heritage than most competitors have achieved. D-Orbit’s growth trajectory depends on several converging market trends and company-specific execution factors. The overall orbital transfer vehicle market’s projected growth from $1.70 billion in 2024 to $3.98 billion by

    14 min

  7. 07-12-2025

    Jarad Isaacman is Back on the U.S. Senate Warm Seat

    It wasn’t exactly the hot seat, but Jarad Isaacman was back in front of the United States Senate Commerce Committee to answer questions about his qualifications to be the next administrator of NASA. Isaacman had been tapped by President Donald Trump in December, 2024 for the post during the transition period, and Isaacman appeared to be headed for easy confirmation with bipartisan support. But his nomination was abruptly withdrawn by Trump in May, who said Isaacman was a “true blue Democrat” who did not support the America First agenda. He later said that Isaacman was a good friend of Elon Musk, with whom Trump had had a political falling out. Such is politics in the 21st century. The renomination came in November, and the first confirmation hearing was held Wednesday morning. Isaacman has had strong bipartisan support throughout the process, and that support did not appear to be wavering. Committee Chairman Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, was effusive in his praise for the entrepreneur-turned-astronaut. “Mr. Isaacman, I know you are as committed to American supremacy in the final frontier as is this committee and the entire Senate,” Cruz said during his opening remarks. “The United States must remain the unquestioned leader in space exploration. And this imperative is why we need to confirm your nomination as expeditiously as possible. My hope is that you’ll be confirmed and in this role before the end of this year” Isaacman’s answers to Senators’ questions were very similar to those he gave the first time around. He reiterated his belief that private industry will be an essential partner for NASA in what is widely seen as the new space race with China, as has always been the case with the agency. “A lot of people do believe generally these are, these are new developments. But in reality, going back to the 1960s in the space race, NASA worked alongside some of our great aerospace companies. I mean, whether it was Boeing or McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, for sure, sir. So a lot of those names are still very relevant within the space program today,” Isaacman said. “And then there’s also a lot of new names that is, referred to sometimes as new space or commercial space. I think it’s going to take, you know, the contributions of the many to do the near impossible. Now, where NASA can play a role is consistent in the past, which is sharing its expertise and talent to help these new companies. When NASA does tend to figure out the near impossible, and it’s mature enough technology to hand it off to industry where innovation can improve upon the capability and lower cost, that’s a great outcome.” No date has been set for either a full committee vote or a vote by the full Senate, but given the tone of Senator Cruz’ remarks, we will likely see a decision on Isaacman’s nomination before the holidays. -0- Following the release of the draft EU Space Act and the accompanying Vision for a European Space Economy, the Office of Space Commerce, in coordination with the Department of State, solicited feedback and comments from US Government agencies and commercial stakeholders on the legislation’s potential impact on the United States. This consultation included input from U.S. trade associations representing a broad cross-section of the U.S. commercial space industry, as well as over 70 responding companies that have active or potential future commercial interests in the EU market. In its comments, the OCS said that “As a general matter, the United States expresses deep concern regarding measures in the proposed Act that would impose unacceptable regulatory burdens on U.S. providers of space services to European customers. As close partners in civil, commercial, and security aspects of space cooperation for decades, the EU should proceed cautiously when developing and refining the proposed EU Space Act to ensure it provides a permissive and adaptable framework that promotes innovation, investment, and fair competition for the U.S., EU, and EU member states commercial sectors, while respecting each other’s sovereignty. Otherwise, the ability of the United States, the EU, and EU members to maintain government-to-government burden-sharing partnerships could be threatened.” The letter went onto say that “the current draft EU Space Act contradicts the spirit of the comments made in August on the U.S.-EU Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade to “resolve trade imbalances, improve market access, increase our trade and investment relationship, and reduce or eliminate non-tariff barriers.” The U.S. requested several changes in the draft EU Space Act, including alignment with existing international and industry guidelines, standards, and rules for space systems and operations that have been developed by international consensus. The comments also requested a significant increase in the information and clarity in the text of the EU Space Act itself, rather than waiting for subsequent implementing acts. That would mean that stakeholders and EU member states themselves are fully aware of implications ahead of its adoption, rather than assigning oversight functions to Commission officials in Brussels. -0- Space traffic management (STM) functions aboard the Pathfinder A 16U pilot satellite for ESA’s upcoming Celeste In-Orbit Demonstration constellation will be provided by Neuraspace under a contract with CubeSat manufacturer German Orbital Systems. The mission is designed to demonstrate Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation and Timing, or PNT capabilities. As part of this STM service package, Neuraspace will provide real-time automated solutions for conjunction screening, analysis, and classification, as well as maneuver planning and optimization. In addition, the launch and early operations phase (LEOP) will be supported with GNSS data processing and dedicated tracking using the company’s optical telescopes. These services by Neuraspace will also contribute towards compliance to ESA’s space debris requirements, with the intention to control collision risk and prevent space debris release and proliferation. Scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2026, the satellite will fly in LEO to demonstrate how PNT signals can ultimately provide guaranteed location accuracy, better signal robustness, increased resistance as well as faster signal acquisition. An agreement has been reached between Optimum Technologies and Blue Origin to integrate the OpTech next-generation Caracal optical payload onboard the first mission of Blue Ring. Blue Ring’s first mission is expected to launch in 2026 with initial injection into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and additional services performed in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). The Blue Ring vehicle will demonstrate its ability to simultaneously support the GEO tracking and custody mission as well as space object characterization, leveraging dynamic maneuverability to support high-resolution characterization. The Caracal sensor is designed to provide actionable insights on resident space objects and orbital activity and includes onboard image storage, object detection algorithms, and passive thermal control. The payload is designed to operate flexibly across dynamic orbits over a year-long mission profile. Caracal will fly with Scout Space’s Owl sensor, along with internally developed payloads, all demonstrating Blue Ring as a platform for supporting future GEO space domain awareness missions. -0- A pair of agreements with Cosmoserve and the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will help solidify Dawn Aerospace’s position in the orbital refueling space. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Dawn and Cosmoserve at Space Tech Expo in Bremen, Germany to partner on enabling sustainable and scalable in-space servicing through refueling and debris removal technologies. The strategic MoU expresses both parties’ intent to explore future collaboration on integrating Dawn’s refuelable propulsion systems and in-space refueling service ‘Loop’ with Cosmoserve’s debris capture and removal missions. By combining Dawn Aerospace’s refueling and propulsion capabilities with Cosmoserve’s debris-removal platforms, the partnership aims to enhance mission endurance and reduce the environmental impact of space activity. A separate agreement between Dawn and the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will see Dawn provide its SatDrive propulsion system for the flagship PAMI-1 mission. Critically, the propulsion system will be equipped with Dawn’s Docking and Fluid Transfer (DFT) port, providing the Netherlands with its first sovereign satellite capable of being serviced and refueled in orbit. The PAMI-1 mission is the first of six satellites that form a constellation in Low Earth Orbit, with plans for further expansion. -0- In depth this week we took a look at the supply chain for spacecraft optics and sensors. The global market for optics and sensors represents a critical bottleneck in space commerce, valued at $7.44 billion in 2024 and projected to reach just over $13 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.4 percent. This Tier 2 component and subsystem segment produces specialized optical instruments and detection systems essential to all space missions, from satellite positioning and Earth observation to scientific research and communication. The supply chain exhibits significant geographic concentration, single-source dependencies for critical materials like germanium, and extended lead times that create strategic vulnerabilities for satellite manufacturers and constellation operators. Optics and sensors are precision-engineered subsystems that integrate into complete satellites and space vehicles produced by prime contractors. North America dominates the space sensors market with a market share of just over 40 percent in 2024, driven by expanding satellite constellations and

    14 min

  8. 23-11-2025

    Sidus Space Eyes ‘Higher-Value’ Commercial Opportunities

    Sidus Space reported a net loss of $6 million in the third quarter as it advances its strategic transition toward higher-value commercial operations. The aerospace company reported third-quarter revenue of $1.3 million, down 31 percent from $1.9 million in the same period last year. The decline reflects a strategic shift away from lower-margin legacy services toward higher-value commercial technology platforms. Sidus attributed cost increases to satellite and software depreciation, along with higher material and labor expenses. The company is investing in its LizzieSat satellite constellation, Fortis VPX computing platform, and other defense technology systems while trimming administrative spending. On an earnings call reporting the company’s third quarter financials, Sidus CEO Carol Craig said the company is looking forward while servicing existing contracts. “Q3 was about executing on existing contracts and furthering our efforts to expand our vertically integrated product offerings,” Craig said. “We remain focused on disciplined execution by aligning spend to near-term revenue milestones, identifying operational efficiencies in the form of expense reductions, strengthening our intellectual property, expanding our global partnerships, and accelerating our path to commercialization across space and defense markets as we close out the year.” According to the quarterly report, Sidus’ cash reserves totaled $12.7 million at September 30, compared with $15.7 million a year earlier. Sidus reported adjusted EBITDA losses of $4 million, versus $2.5 million in third quarter 2024. -0- Meanwhile, the company held a kickoff meeting and System Requirements Review (SRR) for the Commercial Pathfinder mission it is planning with Lonestar Data Holdings, marking rapid advancement toward full mission execution with initial payment received. These achievements are part of the contract supporting Lonestar’s Commercial Pathfinder Mission to validate its advanced in-space data storage solution. This solution includes secure data uplink, long-term data storage, rapid onboard AI-driven processing via FeatherEdge, which is the Sidus Space edge computer and on-demand downlink of critical data directly from orbit. Sidus is contracted to design, develop, test, and integrate Lonestar’s Data Storage Module into its next LizzieSat launch as one of several hosted payloads, and will provide post-launch commissioning. Data transmission and storage will be priced separately as a recurring data-as-a-service contract. -0- The Dream Chaser spaceplane, under development by Sierra Space, has successfully completed a series of critical pre-flight tests at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC), marking continued progress toward Dream Chaser’s first free-flyer mission. As part of its comprehensive testing campaign, Dream Chaser underwent Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing at NASA’s Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF). These tests verified the spacecraft’s ability to operate within expected electromagnetic environments throughout various missions. The spacecraft also completed rigorous tow testing at KSC and Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility. For this phase, a Freightliner Cascadia truck, provided by Daimler Truck North America, towed the spaceplane at high speeds to simulate critical dynamics and validating autonomous navigational parameters during runway landing operations. The spacecraft’s ability to receive telemetry and distribute commands between the spacecraft and Mission Control in Louisville, Colorado over NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System network has been demonstrated, and the testing campaign concluded with a post landing recovery rehearsal, which demonstrated the safing of vehicle systems and timely access to sensitive payloads. Dream Chaser is on track for its first launch to Low Earth Orbit, targeted in Q4 of 2026, through a demonstration mission under the CRS-2 contract with a runway landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base. -0- Coming up, a new name for Project Kuiper. But right now, why not take a minute to become a paid subscriber to The Journal of Space Commerce. Whether you’re a space professional, an investor or enthusiast, paid subscribers have first access to premium articles and podcasts focused on the new space economy. Just visit www.exterrajsc.com on Substack, and help keep The Journal of Space Commerce independent as we chronicle, cajole and, when necessary, critique the commercial space industry. Amazon has rebranded its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite Internet program as Amazon Leo. Previously Project Kuiper, the company says the change is a simple nod to the low Earth orbit satellite constellation that powers the network. In an article posted on the Amazon website, Rajeev Badyal, vice president of Amazon Leo said that “Project Kuiper” was a code name inspired by the Kuiper Belt, a ring of asteroids in our outer solar system. The code name remained associated with the program through many of its early milestones: filing and receiving initial licenses, signing the largest set of launch contracts in history, completing a successful prototype mission, and deploying the first full batch of production satellites earlier this year. Amazon Leo will become the permanent name for the brand, but Badyal said the long-term mission remains the same. -0- Space domain awareness is a real and growing issue among spacefaring nations and companies. With the tens of thousands of objects in Earth orbit, keeping track of everything circling the planet is becoming a big business. But occasionally, things get lost. That was the case in September, when, shortly after launch, Russia’s Mozhayets-6 went dark. It was literally lost in space. For five weeks. The company that found the missing satellite was Slingshot Aerospace, and joining me now is Belinda Marchand, Chief Science Officer at Slingshot. How did Slingshot get involved in finding the wayward satellite? Belinda Marchand, Slingshot Aerospace We started to, look at this as an opportunity to say, hey, here’s a challenge. Let’s see, you know, how can we go about finding this object, right? What are the things that we need to do to find this object? And so that kind of kicked it off, right? It was a combination of clearly there’s no information on it. It’s in the catalog in the sense that we know it’s been launched, right? What we don’t know is what orbit it’s in or where it is. And even today, when you log on to spacetrack.org, it’s still not there. You know it’s listed in the sense that it’s been launched, but there’s no orbital information on it. On why its counterpart? Ex Terra Media So what did you do? Because I understood that there was a, there was something about a post on X that kind of puts you onto the track of where the satellite was. Belinda Marchand, Slingshot Aerospace Yeah. So once we decided to explore a path to locate the object, we started just doing a little bit of sleuthing, right? What information can we find out there that may be known about this object that can help us narrow down our search? Some of that information initially came from our SARA data database, which told us this was a reasonably small object. And that then told us, it’s going to be dim. We can do some simulations to figure out what we expect our sensors will or will not be able to see. We still needed more information. So we kept looking around, and we came across, in a forum, we came across a post from S2A Systems. They didn’t identify it as that object at the time. They were tracking the GLONASS satellite that had just been launched. And there was a comment in the post about a dim object in the vicinity of the GLONASS satellite that seemed to be tumbling. And so it was in the course of doing the research a month later that we found this article that was dated a day after the GLONASS satellite had been launched. So on the 14th is when that post had gone up. And we suspected, based on the information from SERA data, that this dim object that they were seeing that was tumbling was in all likelihood this Moss-Hayat 6 satellite. And that kind of gave us confirmation of, okay, this seems to be in the right ballpark of an object. It confirms what SERA data says. It’s in a similar orbit to GLONASS. Because it’s small, it also would have limited maneuvering capabilities in terms of how quickly it can affect orbital changes, right? So a small satellite, for example, would take longer to change its orbital inclination, and it would be limited in how much of A change it could achieve, because its resources from a propulsion perspective are limited. And that meant Yes, the object was more than likely in a similar orbit to that GLONASS initial orbit after it was deployed. So that narrowed down the space, the search space for us. Okay, we’re looking for something small that is close to that initial orbital plane. of the GLONASS satellite and probably in some similar facing areas. So we just have to figure out how to do the scan of that orbital plane to locate that object and then use that predictive brightness information to help us identify the right systems that could track it. And that’s how it got started. Ex Terra Media Was the Russian government forthcoming about this? Did you have any interaction with them as far as Slingshot was concerned? Or did they just say, I’m sorry, we lost it? Belinda Marchand, Slingshot Aerospace No, we did not have any direct interaction with them. We found in our research, we came across screenshots from Russian social media posts, which then can be translated And from their perspective, the information that was being put out was that all satellites were successfully deployed and operating. And that’s the last we saw of it, right? But that was around the time of the launch, which was on 9-13. So we did not, at the time that we w

    21 min
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A weekly newsletter published to the community highlighting the news of the week and letting you know who our podcast guest is that week. We will look ahead to the coming week to see what's happening and let you know. www.exterrajsc.com

Informatie

  • Maker
    Ex Terra Media, LLC
  • Jaren actief
    2025 - 2026
  • Afleveringen
    60
  • Beoordeling
    Veilig
  • Copyright
    © Ex Terra Media, LLC
  • Website van aflevering
    Space Commerce Week