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Satellite Companies Eye New Launch Providers Amid SpaceX Downturn
Confirmed
In Short: As SpaceX scales back its launch activities, satellite operators are turning to alternative providers like Isar Aerospace for specialized missions.
Satellite companies, aside from SpaceX, are expressing concerns about the current launch capacity, according to Ars Technica. SpaceX, which has been the dominant player in recent years, is now dialing back its Falcon 9 program and there is uncertainty around its Starship rocket. This has created an opportunity for new launch providers to step in.
Isar Aerospace, a German startup, has successfully launched its Spectrum rocket, marking a significant milestone for Europe’s space sector. The company’s success has attracted interest from other European satellite operators, including Rocket Factory Augsburg and PLD Space. Just days after Isar’s launch, Astroscale announced a deal with Isar for a mission next year, following a contract in March for a different Astroscale satellite.
Another satellite servicing company, Katalyst Space, chose the Pegasus XL rocket from Northrop Grumman for a mission in July, despite the high launch cadence led by SpaceX. This choice underscores the demand for specialized launch services. Katalyst required a dedicated launch into a unique orbit to reach its target, a scenario that is becoming increasingly common.
SpaceX, on the other hand, continues to maintain its high launch cadence, having launched the Starlink 15-22 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Wednesday. The company used the Falcon 9 first stage booster with the tail number B1082, following a previous launch of the Starlink 10-49 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station the day before. These launches demonstrate the ongoing demand for SpaceX’s services, despite the growing interest in alternative launch providers.
What's confirmed
- Satellite companies, aside from SpaceX, are expressing concerns about the current launch capacity, according to Ars Technica. SpaceX, which has been the dominant player in recent years, is now dialing back its Falcon 9 program and there is uncertainty around its Starship rocket. This has created an opportunity for new launch providers to step in.
- Isar Aerospace, a German startup, has successfully launched its Spectrum rocket, marking a significant milestone for Europe’s space sector. The company’s success has attracted interest from other European satellite operators, including Rocket Factory Augsburg and PLD Space. Just days after Isar’s launch, Astroscale announced a deal with Isar for a mission next year, following a contract in March for a different Astroscale satellite.
- Another satellite servicing company, Katalyst Space, chose the Pegasus XL rocket from Northrop Grumman for a mission in July, despite the high launch cadence led by SpaceX. This choice underscores the demand for specialized launch services. Katalyst required a dedicated launch into a unique orbit to reach its target, a scenario that is becoming increasingly common.
- SpaceX, on the other hand, continues to maintain its high launch cadence, having launched the Starlink 15-22 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Wednesday. The company used the Falcon 9 first stage booster with the tail number B1082, following a previous launch of the Starlink 10-49 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station the day before. These launches demonstrate the ongoing demand for SpaceX’s services, despite the growing interest in alternative launch providers.
What's still developing
- It seems like the customers buying launch services were right.
- When iOS 27 launches next week, it will include a new feature called iPhone Handoff, which allows you to use the same number on two different phones, Apple said at Wednesday’s Surprise and Shine event.
- Tech > Services & Software > Operating Systems The feature will be available with iOS 27, but will be limited to specific cellular carriers for now.