Payload
• Payload Staff
The space industry expanded rapidly in 2025. This roundup profiles five companies that came out of stealth this year, spotlighting new entrants that joined the commercial space ecosystem and may shape competitive dynamics as investment and mission activity continue to grow.
CNBC
• Samantha Subin
By CNBC: Satellite stocks have benefitted this year from renewed interest in space exploration and military reindustrialization efforts.
SpaceNews.com
• Andrew Jones
By SpaceNews.com: China to debut reusable Long March 10-derived rocket in first half of 2026 China is aiming for a first launch of a reusable, cargo-optimized variant of its new crew launch vehicle in the first half of the year.
Universe Today
• Mark Thompson
By Universe Today: A female mouse that spent two weeks aboard China’s space station has successfully given birth to healthy pups after returning to Earth. This marks the first time offspring have been born from mammals that have traveled in space.
SpaceNews.com
• Jason Rainbow
By SpaceNews.com: Space Forge said Dec. 31 it generated plasma aboard its first satellite, a milestone the British startup says shows it can create and maintain conditions needed to produce valuable semiconductor materials in LEO.
By defensehere.com: Mira Aerospace, the High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) subsidiary of Space42, has successfully conducted Europe’s first HAPS flight under civilian.
Space.com
• Leonard David
By Space.com: "Some will not change behavior until something bad happens.".
NASA Spaceflight
• Haygen Warren
By NASA Spaceflight: As 2025 turns to 2026, the worldwide launch manifest is quieting down, with only four….
Space.com
• Kenna Hughes-Castleberry
European Spaceflight
• Andrew Parsonson
NASA Spaceflight
• Eleanor Day
