SpaceNews.com
• Jason Rainbow
Rocket Lab has introduced GHOST, a containerized launch system designed to deploy Electron and HASTE missions from locations beyond its permanent spaceports, while warning that Neutron’s first flight may slip into 2027. Separately, Lockheed Martin selected Albany Engineered Composites for a 3D-woven aeroshell for its Next Generation Glide Body.
Commercial Space
Latest source-backed stories
Rocket Lab forecast third-quarter gross margin below Wall Street expectations, citing a larger contribution from lower-margin satellite-platform sales. The mix shift signals near-term pressure on profitability as the company’s satellite business accounts for a greater share of revenue.
High activity
Rocket Lab has introduced GHOST, a containerized launch system designed to deploy Electron and HASTE missions from locations beyond its permanent spaceports, while warning that Neutron’s first flight may slip into 2027. Separately, Lockheed Martin selected Albany Engineered Composites for a 3D-woven aeroshell for its Next Generation Glide Body.
MDA Space reported another quarter of double-digit increases in revenue and adjusted EBITDA, while outlining an international strategy focused on expanding its space hardware and geospatial imagery businesses in the United States and Europe. The company is also widening its portfolio and geographic presence.
ALL.SPACE has won a contract to provide Aalyria with Hydra MAX terminals for deployment alongside Aalyria’s Spacetime orchestration software. The software will be integrated directly with the terminals, combining the companies’ hardware and network-management capabilities in a joint platform deployment.
High activity
China’s Long March 7A failed less than 90 seconds after liftoff during an attempted communications-satellite launch, with amateur footage showing an apparent explosion. State media said the payload was lost and the cause was under investigation, marking the rocket family’s second failure this year.
High activity
Rocket Factory Augsburg’s first orbital launch attempt has been delayed by a tank problem, but the company’s majority owner remains confident the German startup can reach the launch pad later this year. The setback adds pressure to its development and launch schedule.
High activity
Lithuanian optical communications company Astrolight and German space logistics firm ATMOS Space Cargo have signed an MoU to demonstrate a high-speed, in-flight laser communications link between ATMOS’ PHOENIX 2 re-entry vehicle and an orbiting low Earth orbit satellite during a planned 2027 test.
High activity
SpaceX reported second-quarter revenue of $7.8 billion, exceeding estimates and helping its shares rise 15.8% on Aug. 9 to above their $135 IPO price. The rebound comes as the company’s planned satellite expansion and projected Starship deployment reshape expectations for launch and orbital-computing economics.
Create a free account to see more recent Commercial Space stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
