Rocket Factory Augsburg

Rocket Factory Augsburg is a space technology company aiming to democratize access to space through fast & flexible launch solutions at an unrivalled low price point. The company develops launch vehicles and in-orbit mobility solutions enabling satellite operators to deploy satellite constellations at a fraction of time compared to current standards.

Germany-based Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is a corporate spin-off from OHB, a European space and technology group via MT Aerospace Holding, which specializes in small and micro satellite launch services. Using its proprietary Helix staged combustion engine, which successfully completed a full upper-stage test in June 2023, RFA aims to reduce costs through serial production methods similar to automotive manufacturing. Its primary launch vehicle, the RFA ONE, is designed for various payloads of up to 1,300 kg to multiple orbits, including Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), Polar Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), Lunar Transfer Orbit (LTO), and Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). The launch system is complemented by the Redshift Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), which provides last-mile delivery services, to precisely position payloads from low Earth orbit (LEO) to GTO and beyond. In addition, the Argo cargo capsule, a reusable solution for space cargo transportation, is designed to support a wide range of missions from LEO resupply and microgravity research to lunar logistics and potential astronaut transportation.

Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) is a German start-up developing cost-effective and low-cost rockets. The company was established in 2018 as a corporate spin-off from OHB, a European space and technology company based in Germany, via MT Aerospace Holding.

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

Rocket Factory Augsburg Engine Explodes in Test Ahead of Milestone Launch

Germany-based Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is a corporate spin-off from OHB, a European space and technology group via MT Aerospace Holding, which specializes in small and micro satellite launch services. Using its proprietary Helix staged combustion engine, which successfully completed a full upper-stage test in June 2023, RFA aims to reduce costs through serial production methods similar to automotive manufacturing. Its primary launch vehicle, the RFA ONE, is designed for various payloads of up to 1,300 kg to multiple orbits, including Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), Polar Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), Lunar Transfer Orbit (LTO), and Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). The launch system is complemented by the Redshift Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), which provides last-mile delivery services, to precisely position payloads from low Earth orbit (LEO) to GTO and beyond. In addition, the Argo cargo capsule, a reusable solution for space cargo transportation, is designed to support a wide range of missions from LEO resupply and microgravity research to lunar logistics and potential astronaut transportation.The company's launch vehicles can carry 1) CUBESAT, a very small, standardized satellite often used for education and technology testing, and 2) SMALLSAT, a general term for any small satellite, larger than a CUBESAT but still relatively small, used for various applications such as communications and Earth observation.RFA’s maiden RFA ONE launch was scheduled for Q4 2024 from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, UK, where RFA has exclusive access to the Fredo launch pad.Key customers and partnershipsAs of May 2024, its customers included Lunar Research Service, the German government, Plus Ultra, and Neutron Star Systems.In June 2023, the company entered a partnership with the French space agency CNES for the use of the Guiana Space Center (GSC) launch site and the construction of a dedicated pad at the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana to provide access to lower inclinations launch missions such as for geosynchronous orbit, medium Earth orbit as well as lunar and interplanetary missions from 2025.

SpinLaunch is a space technology company developing a kinetic launch system to provide low-cost and high-frequency access to space. Unlike traditional fuel-based rockets, SpinLaunch's system utilizes a ground-based, electric-powered centrifuge to accelerate payloads to hypersonic speeds before releasing them into the atmosphere. Its solution is capable of putting 200 kg-class satellites into low orbit. The firm claims this method significantly reduces environmental impact by ~95% compared to conventional rocket launches. Its electric-drive Orbital accelerator offers a revolutionary approach to space travel and significantly reduces the fuel needed to reach orbit by 4x, mitigates costs by 10x, and enables multiple launches per day.Suborbital Accelerator operates at speeds between 800 miph and 5,000 miph, and primarily serves as a testing platform for the Orbital Launch System. It allows customers to conduct tests and serves as a facility for long-term satellite qualification. The company’s first major milestone was the successful test of its suborbital accelerator at Spaceport America in New Mexico in October 2021, where a projectile was launched tens of thousands of feet at 20% power capacity. SpinLaunch also planned to launch small satellites into low-Earth orbit by 2026.SpinLaunch has also created a new type of highly affordable satellite. It claims that applying mass manufacturing techniques and simplifying the supply chain reduces costs without compromising performance. SpinLaunch’s satellites are specifically designed for mass accelerators but are also compatible with traditional launch systems and serve a variety of use cases, such as surveillance broadcasts, Internet of things (IoT), machine-to-machine communication (M2M), and emergency communication platforms.<h3>Key customers and partnerships</h3>In September 2023, SpinLaunch partnered with Sumitomo Corporation (Japan) for the global expansion of affordable and sustainable space services. SpinLaunch has also attracted significant interest and formed strategic partnerships with major organizations, including ATW Partners, Kleiner Perkins, and GV. In 2019, the Department of Defense signed a "launch prototype contract" with SpinLaunch to provide reliable and cost-effective launch services​.Funding and financialsIn September 2022, SpinLaunch secured USD 71 million in a Series B funding round led by ATW Partners to continue developing its launch system and satellite technologies​. In January 2020, the company raised USD 35 million from venture capitalists to aid the development of its kinetic launch system.

SpinLaunch

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems, offering a comprehensive range of solutions from satellite manufacturing to orbital launches. The company's primary launch vehicle, Electron, has become the second most frequently launched US rocket annually, having delivered over 190 satellites to orbit for various commercial and government partners. Electron is capable of carrying payloads of up to 300 kilograms to low Earth orbit. In addition to Electron, Rocket Lab has developed HASTE, a suborbital hypersonic launch vehicle.Rocket Lab is currently developing Neutron, an advanced 13-tonne payload class reusable launch vehicle designed for constellation deployment and interplanetary missions. The company successfully conducted the first hot fire test of its Archimedes engine in August 2024, which will power Neutron's first stage. Neutron's unique design encapsulates its second stage within a reusable first stage with an integrated payload fairing. Rocket Lab aims to launch Neutron by mid-2025, potentially marking the fastest time to market for a commercially developed medium-class launch vehicle.Beyond launch services, Rocket Lab has established itself as a premier supplier of advanced satellites, flight-proven subsystems, and spacecraft components. The company's technology spans various areas, including space solar power, composite structures, flight software, star trackers, reaction wheels, and separation systems. As of August 2024, Rocket Lab's satellite technology and components have been integrated into more than 1,700 satellite missions globally. In the second quarter of 2024, Rocket Lab reported record revenue of USD 106.3 million, representing a 71% year-over-year increase.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsRocket Lab has secured partnerships with several high-profile customers and organizations. The company has conducted multiple launches for NASA, including the CAPSTONE mission to the Moon in 2022 and the upcoming ESCAPADE mission to Mars. In August 2024, Rocket Lab delivered two spacecraft for the ESCAPADE mission to Cape Canaveral.Rocket Lab has also established a strong relationship with Capella Space, having completed five missions for the company since August 2020. In August 2024, Rocket Lab successfully launched Capella Space's Acadia-3 satellite, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, into orbit. Additionally, the company has partnered with the University of California Berkeley's Space Science Laboratory to build spacecraft for NASA missions. &nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35960">In November 2024</a>, Rocket Lab signed a multi-launch agreement with an undisclosed commercial satellite operator for its Neutron rocket.

Rocket Lab

D-Orbit, an Italy-based company, specializes in satellite deployment, in-space transportation, and in-orbit servicing through its ION Satellite Carrier. The ION reduces satellite deployment time by up to 85% and costs by 40%. By December 2024, D-Orbit had completed 13 missions, deploying 110 satellites and 44 hosted payloads. It was the world’s first B Corp-certified space company.D-Orbit delivers services covering satellite deployment, in-orbit maintenance, mission control, and advanced space solutions. Deployment options include Rideshare, which uses third-party launchers for standard orbits; Precision Deployment, which uses the ION Satellite Carrier to tailor orbital placements; and Constellation Deployment, which phases satellites into optimal positions. D-Orbit's Aurora cloud platform supports real-time telemetry monitoring, trajectory updates, telecommands, and 3D visualization, enabling operators to manage satellites efficiently or delegate control to D-Orbit to streamline operations.In-orbit services encompass transportation, lifetime extension, assembly, refurbishment, debris removal, and inspection. Advanced offerings include the ION Hosted Payload Service for technology testing, in-orbit data computing via D-Orbit Cloud, and a SaaS model. The IRIDE constellation project, financed by Italy’s National Plan for Recovery and Resilience and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Italian Space Agency (ASI), aims to provide Earth observation data for public services like marine monitoring, air quality, and climate analysis. Launches were planned from 2025 to 2026.The company also offers satellite hardware and software, such as the AOCS Suite for satellite control, the D-Sense module for positioning, and systems like D-Raise for propulsion and D3 for satellite disposal.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsD-Orbit's customer base includes ESA, ASI, Planet Labs, Spaceflight, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace &amp; Defense (EBAD), the University of Southern California, Brown University, and TelePIX from South Korea.Early partnerships by the company included&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-launches-two-ion-satellite-carrier-on-its-seventh-orbital-transportation-mission/#:~:text=D%2DOrbit%20launched%20its%20first,more%20than%2090%20payloads%20collectively.">SpaceX</a> for deploying ION Satellite Carrier missions and collaborations with&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-launches-aurora-a-cloud-based-mission-control-software-suite/">Leaf Space and AWS</a> Ground Station to enhance the Aurora platform's global mission control. Significant partnerships also included&nbsp;<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/07/starfish-space-and-d-orbit-complete-orbital-rendezvous-bringing-otter-pup-mission-to-a-close/">Starfish Space</a> for orbital rendezvous,&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-signs-agreement-with-hyimpulse-technologies-for-joint-eu-based-launch-and-deployment-mission/">HyImpulse Technologies</a> for EU-based satellite launch and deployment services,&nbsp;<a href="https://metasensing.com/metasensing-selected-to-provide-the-sar-payload-sensor-for-the-nox-mission-in-italys-iride-constellation/">MetaSensing</a> for supporting ESA's IRIDE Earth observation project, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/D_Orbit_and_SkyServe_enhance_satellite_analytics_with_new_edge_computing_platform_999.html">SkyServe STORM</a> for utilizing Edge computing in space-based data processing.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34798">October 2024</a>, ESA awarded D-Orbit a contract to develop a spacecraft-servicing vehicle for geostationary satellites and in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36352">November 2024</a>, D-Orbit partnered with Morpheus Space to demonstrate the GO-2 electric propulsion system aboard its orbital transfer vehicle.&nbsp;

D-Orbit

Phantom Space Corporation is a space services company providing all-in-one capabilities for satellite manufacturing and launch services to commercial and government clients.Phantom Space caters to launch services primarily using its launch vehicle, Daytona Rocket, which is a two-stage system designed to carry payloads of up to 450 kg, including satellites and other space cargo into low-Earth orbit (LEO), for less than USD 4 million per launch. In addition to the Daytona, Phantom Space was developing the larger Laguna rocket, scheduled for launch in 2025, to be powered by a combination of Ripley and Hadley engines produced by Ursa Major to increase payload capacity to 1,200 kg for LEO missions at USD 8 million per launch.In November 2022, the company achieved a major milestone by conducting a successful 60-second hot fire test of the Daytona's Pathfinder test stage at Spaceport America in New Mexico, validating approximately 75% of the vehicle's systems in a flight-realistic condition.The company also provides solutions for designing, manufacturing, and operating small satellites, ranging from single CubeSats to constellations of ESPA-class spacecraft. As of May 2024, Phantom Space had 46 satellite and spacecraft programs successfully executed, while three were currently in progress.As of June 2023, the company aimed to offer affordable access to space through its proprietary rocket and satellite designs. To this end, Phantom Space aimed to employ mass production techniques to reduce costs and increase the frequency of space access for government and commercial entities. Key customers and partnershipsIn May 2023, Phantom Space signed a launch services agreement with Quub, a satellite manufacturer, for three dedicated launches in 2025.In November 2022, Phantom Space secured task orders from NASA for the agency's Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions program. The orders involved launching four CubeSat satellites on the second and fourth Daytona rocket flights from Vandenberg Space Force Base, planned for 2024.

Phantom Space

The Beyond Earth Institute is a space policy think tank focused on human spaceflight established in 2010. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission to establish and sustain policy and legal frameworks that enable economically vibrant communities beyond Earth. The institute conducts primary and secondary research to develop and publicize reports and policy recommendations throughout space policy communities in the US and internationally. Their work centers on catalyzing technology readiness, worldwide public support, and public policies needed to achieve a permanent human presence in space. The organization's research and policy efforts particularly focus on enabling long-term human settlement beyond Earth and developing the cislunar economy.
Key customers and partnerships
Beyond Earth has collaborated with Space Perspective. In January 2023, the organization worked with Japanese space company ispace to support their Hakuto-R moon lander mission, which launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Beyond Earth

Companies that offer launch capabilities to get satellites into orbit, including last-mile delivery of satellites and value-added services including launch mission planning and execution

Companies that provide satellite management services once they are deployed

Includes companies that develop satellite buses and payloads for mini, micro and nano systems

Companies that manufacture components for mini, micro, nano, and picosatellite systems

Satellite companies that offer location-based intelligence, navigation, mapping, spatial awareness, and data analytics services

Use of autonomous robotics in the production process, specially in the miniature satellite segments

Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) is a German start-up developing cost-effective and low-cost rockets. The company was established in 2018 as a corporate spin-off from OHB, a European space and technology company based in Germany, via MT Aerospace Holding.RFA's key project, the RFA One, is a multistage rocket featuring the innovative "Helix" staged combustion engine. This sets RFA apart with precise in-orbit delivery, advanced propulsion, and cost-effective design. The RFA One promises superior performance for payload delivery, capitalizing on serial production efficiencies inspired by the automotive industry. RFA's unique Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), "Redshift," employs the Fenix engine to provide in-orbit services like refueling, energy supply, and constellation management, catering to diverse satellite mission profiles from LEO to GTO and beyond.Despite its initial plans to launch in 2024, the company’s first commercial rocket’s (RFA One) first stage exploded on its first test flight in August 2024. As such, its debut launch was postponed to 2025. Key customers and partnershipsIn September 2022, RFA signed a contract with ESA under ESA's Boost! program for commercial space transportation services and support. The collaboration between RFA and ESA marked the official start of commercializing European space transportation.Precious Payload, a US/UAE/German space tech company, included upcoming RFA launches in its launch schedule in Launch. ctrl, a marketplace for satellite operators, providing more launch opportunities for payload developers.Spaceflight Inc, a global launch services provider, and RFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to use RFA's launch services to fly its Sherpa orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) and other rideshare payloads from European launch sites, targeting mid-2024 for their first launch.In September 2022, Digantara Research and Technologies (Digantara) and Rocket RFA signed an MoU to enhance their partnership in launch procurement and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). RFA will use its RFA ONE launch system to launch two satellites from Digantara's constellation into low Earth orbit in Q4 2024.RFA also partnered with Conflux Technology in April 2023 for the integration of Conflux’s 3D-printed heat exchanger into RFA’s rocket engine.

Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), founded by Elon Musk, designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft. It developed Falcon 9, the first reusable orbital-class rocket, reducing launch costs through reusability. SpaceX became the first private company to transport cargo and astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS) using its Dragon spacecraft. It also completed the first all-civilian crewed mission to orbit.As of December 2024, SpaceX was working on Starship, a fully reusable launch vehicle integrated with the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket. Starship is designed for crew and cargo transportation beyond Earth’s orbit. The maiden launch in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17914">April 2023</a> failed due to a stage separation issue, while a second flight in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24117">November 2023</a> ended in a mid-air explosion but showed significant progress.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30279">June 2024</a>, SpaceX successfully brought the Starship booster and upper stage back to Earth in controlled splashdowns. The company also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30611">20 Starlink satellites</a> and replaced older satellites over Europe with the&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30664">SES satellite</a>.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31473">July 2024</a>, SpaceX launched two Starlink missions, but one Falcon 9 launch failed due to an&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31996">upper-stage malfunction</a>. During the same&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32021">month</a>, SpaceX launched two Starlink missions to deliver 44 new Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33338">September 2024</a>, SpaceX announced plans for uncrewed Mars missions by 2026 and crewed missions by 2028. The&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34797">following month</a>, the company launched NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft aboard Falcon Heavy to explore Jupiter's moon Europa.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsSpaceX has formed key partnerships with NASA and other government agencies. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/16/science/spacex-moon-nasa.html#:~:text=NASA%20announced%20on%20Friday%20that,and%20robotic%20explorers%20to%20space.">April 2021</a>, NASA awarded the company a USD 2.9 billion contract to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972. This was followed by a second crewed demonstration landing in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14642">November 2022</a>. SpaceX also received additional crew flights to the ISS in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12727">September 2022</a>.In&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/spacex-wins-102-million-air-force-contract-to-demonstrate-technologies-for-point-to-point-space-transportation/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20U.S.%20Air%20Force,world%20on%20a%20heavy%20rocket.">January 2022</a>, SpaceX secured a contract with the US Air Force for a point-to-point space transportation technology demonstration. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13938">October 2022</a>, the European Space Agency (ESA) contracted SpaceX to launch the Euclid space telescope and Hera Probe on Falcon 9 rockets, replacing the original Soyuz launch plans.In&nbsp;<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/northrop-grumman-collaboration-with-spacex-on-classified-spy-satellite-project/articleshow/109424490.cms?from=mdr">April 2024</a>, SpaceX partnered with Northrop Grumman for a classified reconnaissance satellite mission. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30280">June 2024</a>, the company was awarded a USD 1.5 million contract by NASA for the Mars Sample Return mission and was selected for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 contract alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30463">Blue Origin and ULA</a>.SpaceX continued to work with NASA in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31893">July 2024</a>, receiving a USD 113 million contract to launch NOAA's Joint Polar Satellite System 4 mission. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35031">October 2024</a>, SpaceX secured a USD 733.6 million contract from the US Space Force to conduct seven launches for the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer constellation.

SpaceX

Sierra Space, established in 2021 as a spin-off from Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems division, focuses on commercial space development. As of December 2024, it was developing the Dream Chaser, claimed to be the world’s first commercial spaceplane and the only winged reusable spaceplane, with a low 1.5 g-force re-entry designed for crew and cargo transport. Despite delays announced by United Launch Alliance (ULA) in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30892">June 2024</a>, Sierra Space had plans to launch the first Dream Chaser by late 2024.As of December 2024, the company was also developing the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat, an inflatable three-story commercial habitation and science platform designed for low Earth orbit. It supports four astronauts and features facilities for science, exercise, medical care, and food production. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31995">July 2024</a>, the LIFE module passed its second full-scale burst test, with plans for standalone testing of a 500 m³ module by 2025.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsIn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blueorigin.com/news/orbital-reef-commercial-space-station">October 2021</a>, Sierra Space and Blue Origin announced that the companies were developing Orbital Reef, a commercial space station, backed by players including Boeing, Redwire Space, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University. Orbital Reef was to be a commercially developed, owned, and operated space station to be built in low Earth orbit. The Dream Chaser and LIFE Habitat are critical components for Orbital Reef. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14055">October 2022</a>, the company signed an MOU with IBM to collaborate on space technology and software platforms for its spacecraft and infrastructure. Sierra Space partnered with Keystone Space Collaborative in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14514">November 2022</a>, to advance space economy and for the development of Orbital Reef.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16778">February 2023</a>, the company entered a five-year MOU with the University of Notre Dame to pursue space-based research in low-Earth orbit. The partnership covers R&amp;D payload identification, microgravity experimentation, and the design of hardware to support experiments and commercial applications of the results. Furthermore, in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17792">April 2023</a>, Sierra Space entered a long-term strategic partnership with ILC Dover to accelerate the development of next-generation space infrastructure. Sierra Space also partnered with Redwire in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21176">August 2023</a> for the development of a biotech experiment platform that would be installed on its LIFE inflatable module.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31493">July 2024</a>, Sierra Space partnered with MUFG Bank Ltd. and Tokio Marine &amp; Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd, along with existing partners Oita Prefecture, Kanematsu Corporation, and Japan Airlines to explore the potential for a landing spaceport in Oita, Japan.

Sierra Space

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 Founded by Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic constructs commercial spacecraft with the goal of providing space travelers with suborbital spaceflights. Virgin Galactic is the first commercial spaceline created for space travel. Its feather technology allows its spaceship to fold in half, with the wings moving upward, offering unobstructed views of space. Virgin Galactic's suborbital aircraft are launched from beneath VMS Eve mothership (previously known as White Knight Two), a carrier plane. Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity spacecraft made its first spaceflight in 2018. Founder Richard Branson and three other colleagues boarded a flight as passengers in July 2021.
 
 
 In February 2022, the startup opened ticket sales to the public. A trip that lasts around 90 minutes costs USD 450,000 and was slated to commence in Q1 2023. Up to six passengers and two pilots can go to suborbital space at a time in a flight. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16466">
 February 2023
 </a>
 , the VMS Eve mothership took to the skies for the first time after undergoing mechanical upgrades. Although the results were not disclosed, according to flight tracking data the test flight lasted over two and a half hours and reached an altitude of 12,650 meters. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18896">
 May 2023
 </a>
 , conducted its first suborbital launch after a nearly two-year hiatus with the Unity 25 mission. It carried a crew of six and two pilots to an altitude of 44,500 ft for 90 minutes. Following this, in 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19794">
 June 2023
 </a>
 , the company completed the maiden launch of its commercial spaceflight, VSS Unity. Named Galactic 01, the mission carried 13 research payloads and a three-member crew. The company expected to launch monthly commercial flights after the Galactic 02 mission which was slated for August 2023.
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30285">
 June 2024
 </a>
 , Virgin Galactic launched its VSS Unity spacecraft with 6 crew members for its Galactic 07 mission, also marking its second launch mission in 2024.&nbsp;
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31351">
 July 2024
 </a>
 , the company concluded the construction of its new manufacturing facility and hangar complex at the Mesa Gateway Airport. The new facility would begin assembling the Delta spaceships by 2025.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 In April 2020, the company entered into a space act agreement with NASA relating to the development of high-speed point-to-point travel technologies and into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce in August 2020 to join in designing and developing engine propulsion technology for high-speed commercial aircraft. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14264">
 November 2022
 </a>
 , the company partnered with space infrastructure developer Axiom Space, to conduct microgravity research and training missions.
 
 
 Virgin Galactic partnered with Axiom Space again in May 2024 to deliver the Axiom Mission 3 backup and a Turkish Space Agency (TUA) astronaut on a suborbital flight for microgravity research. 
 
</div>

Virgin Galactic

Arizona-based World View Enterprises designs and manufactures stratospheric balloons through which it takes high-resolution photos of Earth for scientific, government, and commercial organizations. Its World View Stratollite is a remotely operated stratospheric vehicle with new control capabilities that carries commercial, scientific, and government payloads to the near-space environment. It also utilizes the advantages of geostationary satellites, low-earth orbit satellites, and high-altitude drones to provide the optimum combination of resolution, precision, and long-term surveillance of vital targets.The startup announced its plans to enter the space tourism and exploration market in October 2021 with its rocketless spacecraft. The spacecraft, known as the World View Explorer, consists of a football ground sized zero-pressure helium balloon, which will ascend at 10–12 miles per hour, carrying passengers in a capsule beneath it in first-class luxury complete with a bathroom and Wi-Ffi. The vessel would glide passengers 100,000 feet into the stratosphere on a 6–12 hour journey (vs. Virgin Galactic's 90-minute flight time) and would cost USD 50,000 per passenger (vs. USD 450,000 for Virgin Galactic). Its competitive pricing is attributed to the use of a natural resource (helium) instead of jet fuel. The company planned to have space ports at iconic locations such as The Grand Canyon (US), Amazonia (Brazil), Aurora Borealis (Norway), Giza pyramids (Egypt), Serengeti (Kenya), Great wall of China, and Great Barrier Reef (Australia). The company planned to have 28 spacecraft (each can carry 8 passengers and 2 crew members) to fly four flights a day at each of the 7 sites. The first rides are scheduled for 2023 and the first passengers for 2024. Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15704">January 2023</a>, World View entered a definitive business combination deal with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Leo Holdings as it geared up to go public with this transaction valuing the combined company at an estimated USD 350 million. However, later in 2023, it renounced its plans to go public by terminating the SPAC merger.&nbsp;The company’s key customers include NASA, NOAA, the US Department of Defense, the US Air Force, and Sierra Nevada Corporation.

World View Enterprises

Space Perspective is a luxury spaceflight experience company. Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum, who were among the co-founders of World View Enterprises, founded the company when World View Enterprises diverted from its initial plan to offer similar stratospheric ballooning services and focused on Stratollites carrying payloads. Its Spaceship Neptune, which the company claims is the first carbon-neutral way to space, is a rocketless spacecraft which carries passengers in a capsule lifted by its 300-foot diameter SpaceBalloon.The Spaceship Neptune, designed to hold eight passengers and a pilot, will glide passengers to an altitude of over 100,000 feet on a six hour journey giving featuring facilities such plush seating, 360-degree panoramic windows, WiFi access and other amenities. Tickets are priced at USD 125,000 per passenger (vs. USD 50,000 per passenger for World View Enterprise) and customers can also pay using crypto. Commercial flights are targeted to begin from late 2024 with the first year of seats completely reserved by October 2021. In June 2021, the company safely completed its first test flight from the Space Coast Spaceport. In December 2021, the startup selected Florida’s Space Coast Spaceport for its worldwide campus and manufacturing complex.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32516">August 2024</a>, Space Perspective unveiled its 294 ft long Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyager, which would take tourists to space aboard its SpaceBalloons. The company reported that the MS Voyager was the first-ever spaceport for human spaceflight on open water. Following this, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33781">September 2024</a>, it concluded its uncrewed test flight for the Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior from the Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyage, flying to an altitude of 100,000 ft.Key customers and partnershipIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16038">January 2023</a>, Space Perspective entered a strategic partnership with global yacht brokerage company, Northrop and Johnson (N&amp;J) to allow select clients of N&amp;J exclusive access to space travel aboard Spaceship Neptune. In October 2023, Space Perspective partnered with Mercedes-Maybach to receive transportation for its customers to and from their spaceflights and to improve customers’ experience.

Space Perspective

Companies that facilitate space tourism and rocket and spacecraft launches, which include human spaceflights and satellite launches

Companies that facilitate space habitats capable of supporting humans in orbit for longer durations

Companies that facilitate space exploration, which includes planetary exploration robots and transportation cargo to the moon, Mars, and beyond

Companies engaging in tracking and  removing space debris and providing in-orbit services for satellites such as refueling, repairs, and orbital maneuvers in order to extend the life of space objects and reduce collision risk

Companies that extract resources and materials from asteroids and other planets and the moon

Robotics are offered by space debris management, space mining, and space exploration companies

A large number of companies use autonomous robots in the production process

Companies such as Relativity Space are using 3D printing to drive down production costs

DISRUPTOR_PRESENT

The UK Space Agency will provide GBP 3.5 million in funding to Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) UK, a rocket developer subsidiary, to support its maiden flight from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland. The RFA One rocket is expected to launch in Q2 of next year. The funding will be used to develop infrastructure and test equipment. RFA, a German rocket developer, aims to establish the UK as a major launch hub for Europe. The RFA One rocket has a capacity of carrying 450 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit. The company has delayed its launch to June 2024 from the end of this year.

Rocket Factory Augsburg

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