Commercial Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com/section/commercial-archive/ Covering the business and politics of space Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:30:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-SN_forza_star-32x32.png Commercial Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com/section/commercial-archive/ 32 32 80681979 Rising demand and falling costs clear path for satellite servicing https://spacenews.com/rising-demand-and-falling-costs-clear-path-for-satellite-servicing/ https://spacenews.com/rising-demand-and-falling-costs-clear-path-for-satellite-servicing/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:30:27 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=558051

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California – Satellite-servicing businesses are finally getting off the ground thanks in part to technological innovation and the example set by prime contractor Northrop Grumman. “There is no […]

The post Rising demand and falling costs clear path for satellite servicing appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/rising-demand-and-falling-costs-clear-path-for-satellite-servicing/feed/ 0 558051
Slingshot sells first sensors in UK deal as more nations seek space-tracking sovereignty https://spacenews.com/slingshot-sells-first-sensors-in-uk-deal-as-more-nations-seek-space-tracking-sovereignty/ https://spacenews.com/slingshot-sells-first-sensors-in-uk-deal-as-more-nations-seek-space-tracking-sovereignty/#respond Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:05:57 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557973

Slingshot Aerospace is in talks with other countries to create or expand space-tracking capabilities after selling optical sensors to the U.K., marking the California-based company’s first deal for the hardware behind its monitoring software.

The post Slingshot sells first sensors in UK deal as more nations seek space-tracking sovereignty appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/slingshot-sells-first-sensors-in-uk-deal-as-more-nations-seek-space-tracking-sovereignty/feed/ 0 557973
Voyager Technologies acquires ExoTerra Resources https://spacenews.com/voyager-technologies-acquires-exoterra-resources/ https://spacenews.com/voyager-technologies-acquires-exoterra-resources/#respond Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:54:10 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557901

SAN FRANCISCO — Voyager Technologies announced the acquisition Oct. 27 of propulsion-system developer ExoTerra Resource. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re amplifying our collective mission capability with ExoTerra, […]

The post Voyager Technologies acquires ExoTerra Resources appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/voyager-technologies-acquires-exoterra-resources/feed/ 0 557901
MTN carves out private networks for Starlink’s business users https://spacenews.com/mtn-carves-out-private-networks-for-starlinks-business-users/ https://spacenews.com/mtn-carves-out-private-networks-for-starlinks-business-users/#respond Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:03:18 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557829

Networking specialist MTN has launched a service that enables SpaceX’s Starlink LEO satellites to operate as part of a privately secured communications system, giving businesses a way to link remote sites without using the public internet.

The post MTN carves out private networks for Starlink’s business users appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/mtn-carves-out-private-networks-for-starlinks-business-users/feed/ 0 557829
Iridium unveils chip to bring GPS protection to mass-market devices https://spacenews.com/iridium-unveils-chip-to-bring-gps-protection-to-mass-market-devices/ https://spacenews.com/iridium-unveils-chip-to-bring-gps-protection-to-mass-market-devices/#respond Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:38:37 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557805

Iridium Communications plans to release a tiny chip next year to protect devices relying on navigation satellites from jamming and spoofing, reinforcing one of the L-band operator’s core strengths as SpaceX’s Starlink encroaches on other parts of its business.

The post Iridium unveils chip to bring GPS protection to mass-market devices appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/iridium-unveils-chip-to-bring-gps-protection-to-mass-market-devices/feed/ 0 557805
HEO’s satellite-to-satellite imaging uncovers secrets of Chinese tech-test spacecraft https://spacenews.com/heos-satellite-to-satellite-imaging-uncovers-secrets-of-chinese-tech-test-spacecraft/ https://spacenews.com/heos-satellite-to-satellite-imaging-uncovers-secrets-of-chinese-tech-test-spacecraft/#respond Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557762

Australian company HEO has imaged and modeled a mystery Chinese satellite prior to its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, revealing previously unknown details about the spacecraft.

The post HEO’s satellite-to-satellite imaging uncovers secrets of Chinese tech-test spacecraft appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/heos-satellite-to-satellite-imaging-uncovers-secrets-of-chinese-tech-test-spacecraft/feed/ 0 557762
Astrobotic delays Griffin-1 lander mission to mid-2026 https://spacenews.com/astrobotic-delays-griffin-1-lander-mission-to-mid-2026/ https://spacenews.com/astrobotic-delays-griffin-1-lander-mission-to-mid-2026/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:22:34 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557741 Griffin-1

Astrobotic Technology says it now plans to launch its large lunar lander carrying a commercial rover no earlier than mid-2026.

The post Astrobotic delays Griffin-1 lander mission to mid-2026 appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/astrobotic-delays-griffin-1-lander-mission-to-mid-2026/feed/ 0 557741
Chinese launch firms Space Pioneer and Galactic Energy move toward IPOs https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-firms-space-pioneer-and-galactic-energy-move-toward-ipos/ https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-firms-space-pioneer-and-galactic-energy-move-toward-ipos/#respond Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:34:32 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557596 Full-scale mockup of Space Pioneer's Tianlong-3 rocket stands vertically on a newly completed launch pad at the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Zone, located in the desert landscape of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The launch pad is equipped with support towers, fueling infrastructure, and ground facilities visible under clear blue skies.

Launch firms Space Pioneer and Galactic Energy are the latest China’s commercial space companies to move toward IPOs, amid a surge of investment.

The post Chinese launch firms Space Pioneer and Galactic Energy move toward IPOs appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-firms-space-pioneer-and-galactic-energy-move-toward-ipos/feed/ 0 557596
Iridium pulls $1 billion 2030 service revenue goal amid SpaceX’s D2D push https://spacenews.com/iridium-pulls-1-billion-2030-service-revenue-goal-amid-spacexs-d2d-push/ https://spacenews.com/iridium-pulls-1-billion-2030-service-revenue-goal-amid-spacexs-d2d-push/#respond Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:25:40 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557542

Iridium’s shares closed down more than 7% Oct. 23 after the satellite operator lowered its full-year service revenue outlook again, while withdrawing its $1 billion target for 2030 amid mounting competition from SpaceX.

The post Iridium pulls $1 billion 2030 service revenue goal amid SpaceX’s D2D push appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/iridium-pulls-1-billion-2030-service-revenue-goal-amid-spacexs-d2d-push/feed/ 0 557542
SatLeo prepares to launch first thermal-imaging payload https://spacenews.com/satleo-prepares-to-launch-first-thermal-imaging-payload/ https://spacenews.com/satleo-prepares-to-launch-first-thermal-imaging-payload/#respond Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:05:56 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556885

SAN FRANCISCO – Indian startup SatLeo Labs is preparing to launch its first thermal-imaging payload early next year. By the end of 2026, the Ahmedabad-based startup also intends to launch […]

The post SatLeo prepares to launch first thermal-imaging payload appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/satleo-prepares-to-launch-first-thermal-imaging-payload/feed/ 0 556885
Airbus, Leonardo and Thales agree to combine space businesses https://spacenews.com/airbus-leonardo-and-thales-agree-to-combine-space-businesses/ https://spacenews.com/airbus-leonardo-and-thales-agree-to-combine-space-businesses/#respond Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:38:47 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557422 Faury

Three of Europe’s largest aerospace companies have agreed to combine their space businesses into a new joint venture intended to better compete in the global market.

The post Airbus, Leonardo and Thales agree to combine space businesses appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/airbus-leonardo-and-thales-agree-to-combine-space-businesses/feed/ 0 557422
Ion-X to supply upgraded thruster for Univity’s VLEO 5G constellation https://spacenews.com/ion-x-to-supply-upgraded-thruster-for-univitys-vleo-5g-constellation/ https://spacenews.com/ion-x-to-supply-upgraded-thruster-for-univitys-vleo-5g-constellation/#respond Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557367

France-based propulsion startup Ion-X announced Oct. 23 it will provide an upgraded version of its electrospray thruster to Univity, a three-year-old French venture planning 1500 small 5G broadband satellites in VLEO.

The post Ion-X to supply upgraded thruster for Univity’s VLEO 5G constellation appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/ion-x-to-supply-upgraded-thruster-for-univitys-vleo-5g-constellation/feed/ 0 557367
Quantum Space to launch first spacecraft in mid-2026 https://spacenews.com/quantum-space-to-launch-first-spacecraft-in-mid-2026/ https://spacenews.com/quantum-space-to-launch-first-spacecraft-in-mid-2026/#respond Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:26:19 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557396 Ranger Prime

Quantum Space says it plans to launch its first Ranger spacecraft in mid-2026 to demonstrate its capabilities for national security missions.

The post Quantum Space to launch first spacecraft in mid-2026 appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/quantum-space-to-launch-first-spacecraft-in-mid-2026/feed/ 0 557396
Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in rocket propulsion startup Venus Aerospace https://spacenews.com/lockheed-martin-ventures-invests-in-rocket-propulsion-startup-venus-aerospace/ https://spacenews.com/lockheed-martin-ventures-invests-in-rocket-propulsion-startup-venus-aerospace/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:33:38 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557384

Venus developed a rotating detonation rocket engine with potential applications in hypersonic missiles and space launch vehicles

The post Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in rocket propulsion startup Venus Aerospace appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/lockheed-martin-ventures-invests-in-rocket-propulsion-startup-venus-aerospace/feed/ 0 557384
The lunar mining gold rush is coming – and success requires bridging two worlds  https://spacenews.com/the-lunar-mining-gold-rush-is-coming-and-success-requires-bridging-two-worlds/ https://spacenews.com/the-lunar-mining-gold-rush-is-coming-and-success-requires-bridging-two-worlds/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557178 Illustration of a moon mining operation. Credit: NASA

Traditional mining expertise plus space startup innovation will equal the winning formula for lunar resource extraction.

The post The lunar mining gold rush is coming – and success requires bridging two worlds  appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/the-lunar-mining-gold-rush-is-coming-and-success-requires-bridging-two-worlds/feed/ 0 557178
Vantor satellites track space objects in ‘blind spots’ inaccessible to military ground sensors https://spacenews.com/vantor-satellites-track-space-objects-in-blind-spots-inaccessible-to-military-ground-sensors/ https://spacenews.com/vantor-satellites-track-space-objects-in-blind-spots-inaccessible-to-military-ground-sensors/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:30:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557203

Vantor’s space-to-space intelligence business is also known as non-Earth imagery

The post Vantor satellites track space objects in ‘blind spots’ inaccessible to military ground sensors appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/vantor-satellites-track-space-objects-in-blind-spots-inaccessible-to-military-ground-sensors/feed/ 0 557203
Lynk Global and Omnispace to merge in race for direct-to-device satellite spectrum https://spacenews.com/lynk-global-and-omnispace-to-merge-in-race-for-direct-to-device-satellite-spectrum/ https://spacenews.com/lynk-global-and-omnispace-to-merge-in-race-for-direct-to-device-satellite-spectrum/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557190

Lynk Global plans to merge with Omnispace to upgrade its direct-to-device services with globally coordinated S-band spectrum, joining SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile in shoring up satellite frequencies after initially relying on cellular partnerships.

The post Lynk Global and Omnispace to merge in race for direct-to-device satellite spectrum appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/lynk-global-and-omnispace-to-merge-in-race-for-direct-to-device-satellite-spectrum/feed/ 0 557190
Startup takes on space-based missile defense — with its own cash https://spacenews.com/startup-takes-on-space-based-missile-defense-with-its-own-cash/ https://spacenews.com/startup-takes-on-space-based-missile-defense-with-its-own-cash/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:30:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557172

Satellite manufacturer Apex is planning a high-stakes demonstration of interceptor technology in orbit

The post Startup takes on space-based missile defense — with its own cash appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/startup-takes-on-space-based-missile-defense-with-its-own-cash/feed/ 0 557172
Samara Aerospace pointing technology to be tested in orbit https://spacenews.com/samara-aerospace-pointing-technology-to-be-tested-in-orbit/ https://spacenews.com/samara-aerospace-pointing-technology-to-be-tested-in-orbit/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 01:22:55 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557134

SAN FRANCISCO – Samara Aerospace’s patented satellite-pointing technology will soon be tested in orbit on an Impulse Space Mira orbital transfer vehicle launching on a SpaceX Transporter rideshare. In ground-based […]

The post Samara Aerospace pointing technology to be tested in orbit appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/samara-aerospace-pointing-technology-to-be-tested-in-orbit/feed/ 0 557134
Starlink mini lasers to link Muon Space satellites for near real-time connectivity https://spacenews.com/starlink-mini-lasers-to-link-muon-space-satellites-for-near-real-time-connectivity/ https://spacenews.com/starlink-mini-lasers-to-link-muon-space-satellites-for-near-real-time-connectivity/#respond Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557032

SpaceX is supplying optical terminals to Muon Space, the four-year-old Californian manufacturer said Oct. 21, enabling its future Halo satellites to use the Starlink broadband constellation as a global data-relay network.

The post Starlink mini lasers to link Muon Space satellites for near real-time connectivity appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/starlink-mini-lasers-to-link-muon-space-satellites-for-near-real-time-connectivity/feed/ 0 557032
Landspace begins final preparations for China’s first orbital launch and landing attempt https://spacenews.com/landspace-begins-final-preparations-for-chinas-first-orbital-launch-and-landing-attempt/ https://spacenews.com/landspace-begins-final-preparations-for-chinas-first-orbital-launch-and-landing-attempt/#respond Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:32:56 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=557064

Launch startup Landspace is in the final stages of preparations for the first launch of its Zhuque-3 rocket and a potentially landmark mission for China.

The post Landspace begins final preparations for China’s first orbital launch and landing attempt appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/landspace-begins-final-preparations-for-chinas-first-orbital-launch-and-landing-attempt/feed/ 0 557064
Belgian startup Nxgsat raises early funds for virtual 5G satellite modem https://spacenews.com/belgian-startup-nxgsat-raises-early-funds-for-virtual-5g-satellite-modem/ https://spacenews.com/belgian-startup-nxgsat-raises-early-funds-for-virtual-5g-satellite-modem/#respond Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556975

A Belgian startup led by satellite networking veterans announced $1.4 million in seed funding Oct. 21 to develop a virtual 5G modem, designed for multi-orbit compatibility across traditionally closed communications infrastructure.

The post Belgian startup Nxgsat raises early funds for virtual 5G satellite modem appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/belgian-startup-nxgsat-raises-early-funds-for-virtual-5g-satellite-modem/feed/ 0 556975
Innospace gets license for first orbital launch attempt https://spacenews.com/innospace-gets-license-for-first-orbital-launch-attempt/ https://spacenews.com/innospace-gets-license-for-first-orbital-launch-attempt/#respond Mon, 20 Oct 2025 03:40:47 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556903 A white rocket lifts off from a seaside launch site in Brazil.

South Korean launch startup Innospace says it has received government approval for its first orbital launch attempt, which could take place as soon as the end of the month.

The post Innospace gets license for first orbital launch attempt appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/innospace-gets-license-for-first-orbital-launch-attempt/feed/ 0 556903
China resumes launches for Thousand Sails constellation, CAS Space launches new international payload https://spacenews.com/china-resumes-launches-for-thousand-sails-constellation-cas-space-launches-new-international-payload/ https://spacenews.com/china-resumes-launches-for-thousand-sails-constellation-cas-space-launches-new-international-payload/#respond Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:30:47 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=556875 A Long March 6A rocket lifts off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern China, producing a bright plume of exhaust against a clear sky, with four lightning towers surrounding the launch pad.

China conducted the first launch for the Thousand Sails constellation since March as the country continues its recent rapid rate of orbital launches.

The post China resumes launches for Thousand Sails constellation, CAS Space launches new international payload appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-resumes-launches-for-thousand-sails-constellation-cas-space-launches-new-international-payload/feed/ 0 556875