Private Space News (16-20 Junet) – by Frederic Eger – Photo credit: India National Startup Awards –  Video credit:  Classified Defense Files.

China
China’s private rocket company Landspace has successfully launched six satellites for Spacety, a commercial satellite operator known for providing Earth observation data. The launch used Landspace’s methane-fueled Zhuque-2E rocket, highlighting the growing maturity of China’s private launch vehicle industry and its ability to serve commercial satellite customers. The “Three-Body Computing Constellation” led by startup ADA Space and Zhejiang Lab remains a key development in China’s private space sector, providing on-orbit AI computing capabilities with 5 peta operations per second and 30 terabytes of onboard storage. The project aims to deploy up to 2,800 satellites, positioning China as a global leader in space-based AI computing infrastructure.
China’s private and state-backed companies are aggressively pursuing large satellite internet constellations, including the “Thousand Sails Constellation” aiming for 15,000 LEO satellites by 2030. SpaceSail, a leading satellite communication services provider, has raised over $900 million and is considered a credible competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink. Emposat, another startup providing satellite ground station services, is also attracting substantial investment.
The Chinese space private sector is experiencing a record surge in funding and dealmaking, with rocket manufacturers such as Landspace, Space Pioneer, Galactic Energy, and Deep Blue Aerospace securing hundreds of millions of dollars in recent funding rounds. Notable M&A and stake sales in 2024 include a $937 million stake sale in Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology and a $207 million acquisition of Beijing Space Pioneer Technology.
China’s commercial space sector benefits from a semi-open innovation ecosystem, where private firms operate with close technical and financial ties to state institutions like CALT and SAST. This structure enables rapid technology development aligned with national strategic goals while fostering market-driven competition and innovation. The government’s inclusion of satellite internet under new infrastructure plans since 2020 and expanded investment guidelines in 2023 have catalyzed private sector growth in telecommunications and satellite services.

Russia.
Russia’s space private sector, space tech startups, and the Skolkovo Innovation Center ecosystem are focusing on companies like Dauria Aerospace, Sputnix, Spectralaser, New Energy Technologies, Azmerit, Lin Industrial, Bureau 1440, Future Lab, and Integral Robotics. The government is finalizing plans to accelerate Russia’s space capabilities by building a fully Russian orbital station capable of autonomous operation, mass-producing standardized, lightweight satellites via assembly lines, reducing launch costs through reusable spacecraft and innovative launch methods, and encouraging private investment and fostering startups, new design bureaus, and innovative production facilities to commercialize space technologies.
Startup and private sector highlights include Dauria Aerospace and Sputnix, which continue to develop small satellite platforms and modular spacecraft designs. Spectralaser, focused on laser ignition modules for liquid rocket engines, benefits from government grants and Skolkovo support. New Energy Technologies and Azmerit advance satellite navigation and timing solutions (atomic clocks) and star trackers, respectively, aligning with Russia’s goals for standardized satellite platforms. Lin Industrial and Bureau 1440 work on ultra-lightweight rocket technologies, while Future Lab and Integral Robotics are pivoting toward aerospace and dual-use applications, including autonomous systems potentially applicable to space operations.
The Skolkovo Innovation Center role remains the hub for Russia’s space startups, providing funding, infrastructure, and collaboration opportunities. The center supports over 117 space-related companies, including many of the above startups, facilitating technology development in small satellites, launch systems, space communications, and robotics. The government’s strategic emphasis on mass satellite production and cost reduction is expected to accelerate Skolkovo startups’ transition from R&D to industrial-scale manufacturing.
Russia continues to deepen space cooperation with partners like Iran, focusing on joint satellite production and infrastructure sharing. This collaboration may open new markets and technology exchange opportunities for Russian startups. Despite economic sanctions and leadership changes at Roscosmos, the private sector and innovation ecosystem are positioned to play a critical role in revitalizing Russia’s space industry through commercialization and technological sovereignty.

USA
The US private space startup ecosystem is a robust and innovative sector, supported by significant venture capital investment, government contracts (NASA, DoD), and collaborations with established aerospace firms. Key innovation areas include reusable launch vehicles, satellite servicing, space situational awareness, Earth observation, space-based manufacturing, and satellite internet.
Several startups focus on sustainability challenges such as space debris mitigation (E-Space, HawkEye 360, Starfish Space). Commercial space stations and space tourism are growing sectors, with companies like Virgin Galactic and Voyager Technologies advancing low Earth orbit platforms. The ecosystem benefits from accelerator programs like Y Combinator, NASA grants, and private-public partnerships.
Firefly Aerospace, a small/medium-lift rocket company, received $50M investment for the Eclipse rocket program in 2025. Muon Space launched MuSat-1 in 2023, building a constellation for climate data. E-Space developed satellite communications and debris reduction, launching satellites that deorbit autonomously when damaged. Albedo Space launched high-resolution Earth observation satellites, including Clarity-1 satellite with 10cm resolution. Starfish Space developed autonomous satellite servicing and life extension services, Rocket Lab led frequent, reliable small satellite launches, Virgin Galactic developed commercial spaceflight and suborbital tourism, Blue Origin focused on lowering spaceflight costs and lunar exploration, Sierra Nevada Corporation developed space systems, Stoke Space innovated spacecraft components and manufacturing, Kepler Communications built satellite networks for global connectivity, HawkEye 360 developed radio frequency mapping for space applications, Varda Space focused on in-space manufacturing, Moon Express planned commercial moon missions, LeoLabs provided space debris tracking and orbital safety services, Astrocast operated IoT satellite constellations, Omnispace offered hybrid satellite/terrestrial connectivity, and Xplore focused on deep space missions to Mars, Moon, Venus, and asteroids. The US space startup ecosystem is driven by advances in launch, satellite technology, space sustainability, and commercial space operations. 

Chinese tech startups are rapidly gaining traction in the global space technology market, from satellite manufacturing to rocket launch systems. This trend is driven by innovative companies and technologies, and it has significant implications for the future of space exploration. The video explores the rise of Chinese space tech startups, discussing their impact on the industry and the potential for space exploration. The video also highlights the importance of donating to support the content and purchasing coffee from companies like SpaceX. The video is a valuable resource for those interested in the growth of Chinese space tech startups. #chinaspace #chinaspaceprogram #chinatechnology #aerospace #rocketlaunch #spacex   

India.
Indian space startups are focusing on various areas, including hyperspectral imaging satellites for detailed Earth observation, small satellite launch vehicles with 3D-printed rocket engines, reusable launch tech, space-to-ground laser communications for high-speed satellite data links, electric propulsion systems, small satellite manufacturing and ground station as a service (GSaaS), space surveillance, debris tracking, and space weather monitoring. In Q2 2025, venture capital investment in Indian space startups exceeded $250 million, with startups collaborating with ISRO, DRDO, and international partners.
India aims to become a top-three global space power by 2030, driven by this vibrant startup ecosystem. The list of Indian space startups includes Pixxel, Agnikul, Skyroot Aerospace, Astrogate Labs, AADYAH Space, Dhruva Space, Digantara, Eon Space Labs, Kepler Aerospace, Manastu Space, PierSight Space, GalaxEye Space, Kawa Space, InspeCity, Bellatrix Aerospace, Vasundhara Geo Technologies, and Abyom.
Pixxel launched three commercial hyperspectral imaging satellites called Fireflies, expanding its Earth observation constellation. The company plans to deploy 24 satellites by 2026 to provide daily global coverage with high-resolution hyperspectral data for agriculture, environment, and disaster monitoring.
Agnikul is advancing its Agnibaan small satellite launch vehicle program, preparing for a suborbital test flight of its rocket in the coming months. Skyroot Aerospace is expanding production at its Hyderabad MAX-Q manufacturing facility, increasing capacity for the Vikram series of small launch vehicles. Astrogate Labs is developing high-speed space-to-ground laser communication terminals to overcome RF bandwidth limitations for small satellites, leveraging IN-SPACe’s Technology Adoption Fund to accelerate product development and commercialization.
AADYAH Space focuses on electric propulsion systems to extend satellite operational life and maneuverability, while Dhruva Space continues to expand its small satellite manufacturing and Ground Station as a Service offerings. Digantara launched its Pushan-Alpha space weather satellite earlier this year and is developing theSCOT space surveillance satellite to track space debris and objects in Low Earth Orbit.
Eon Space Labs is developing optical payloads for satellites, UAVs, and drones, focusing on real-time image processing and edge computing technologies. Kepler Aerospace is advancing its portfolio of satellite components, while Manastu Space is working on green propulsion systems, space debris collision avoidance, and in-orbit refueling and de-orbiting services.
The Indian government’s IN-SPACe Technology Adoption Fund** and a $1,000 crore VC fund continue to provide critical financial and
technical support to space startups. Venture capital investment in Indian space startups remains robust, with international investors from the US, Singapore, and Europe actively participating. Startups are increasingly focusing on satellite constellations, real-time data delivery, and space situational awareness to capture emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and ASEAN regions. Infrastructure development, including dedicated satellite manufacturing hubs and launch facilities, is underway to support scaling production and reducing time to market.

ESA.

EU Private Space Startups are gaining momentum, with several notable companies focusing on innovation, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration. Some of the top startups include PLD Space in Spain, Skyrora in the UK, Look Up Space in France, EnduroSat in Bulgaria, Isar Aerospace in Germany, The Exploration Company in Germany, Open Cosmos in the UK, and Satellite Vu in the UK. The European Space Agency (ESA) Business Incubation Centres (BICs) are supporting over 1,500 startups across Europe, providing funding, mentorship, and infrastructure to foster innovation in both upstream and downstream space sectors. The European Commission’s €5 million prize was launched in June 2025 to support disruptive, low-maturity innovations across the access-to-space value chain. Germany leads Europe in upstream space funding, followed by France, the UK, Finland, and Spain. The UK remains the top country by total funding raised since 2019, with hubs in London, Cambridge, Oxford, Munich, Toulouse, and Paris. Defense-related space startups received 40% of EU space funding in 2024, exemplifying the trend towards sovereign space traffic management and security-focused ventures. Europe’s private space ecosystem is growing, driven by strong institutional support, increasing venture capital, and a strategic push toward innovation in launch technologies, satellite manufacturing, space surveillance, and sustainable space operations. Major events like EU Space Days 2025 promote entrepreneurship and investment, fostering collaboration among policy makers, industry, researchers, and investors.

— Frederic Eger.

About the Author.

Frederic Eger is an Israeli, Argentine and French independent journalist and filmmaker with almost three decades of experience in the media industries. He focuses on science, technology, space and global issues. Frederic holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the Sorbonne and a certificate in producing from UCLA. He is a member of the several organizations, among them the Moon Society, the Mars Society, Icarus Interstellar… Albert Einstein, Michio Kaku or Theodore Herzl are among his models.