Vilnius-based Blackswan Space raised a €2.5M seed led by Iron Wolf Capital to fly its RPO Kit in orbit in Q4 2027. Here is the round, the business model and the risks.
Startup · Topic
Space Economy — Page 3
The business of space: company stories, industry news, startup news and funding rounds across launch, satellites and in-orbit services.
- 40 guides
- 4 subtopics
- Updated Oct 6, 2026
All guides · page 3
ESA Cargo Contract Worth €760 Million Goes to The Exploration Company: The Business Behind Nyx
ESA awarded The Exploration Company a contract worth up to €760 million on 10 September 2026 for Nyx cargo flights to the ISS. We break down the structure, the 60/40 cost split and the risks.
FCC Opens Unlicensed Direct-to-Device Spectrum to Satellites: What the Proposal Means for Business
On 6 August 2026 the FCC proposed letting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth class devices talk to satellites in more than 200 MHz of unlicensed spectrum. We explain the rules, the winners and the timeline.
Rocket Lab Iridium Acquisition Clears Shareholder Vote: Inside the $8 Billion Deal
Iridium stockholders approved the $8 billion sale to Rocket Lab on 24 September 2026 with 99.6% of votes cast. We explain the cash-and-stock terms, the financing, the FCC review and what it changes.
Isar Aerospace Spectrum Reaches Orbit: What Europe’s First Private Orbital Launch Means for Business
Isar Aerospace put its Spectrum rocket into orbit from Andøya, Norway on 5 September 2026. Here is what the flight means for European launch supply, ESA contracts, customers and competitors.
Starship Orbital Flight Delivers 26 Starlink V3 Satellites: What It Means for the Launch Business
SpaceX flew Starship to orbit for the first time on 28 September 2026 and released 26 Starlink V3 satellites. Here is what the flight changes for launch pricing, broadband capacity and rivals.
Starfish Space Otter Launches: Can Satellite Servicing Become a Business?
Starfish Space has launched its first full-size Otter servicing vehicle for a NASA inspection mission. We look at its contracts, funding, competitors and what remains unproven.
Impulse Space Contract: Why the Space Force Is Buying a Mira for GEO Watch
Impulse Space will fly a military sensor on its Mira vehicle under a US$28 million Space Force award. We explain the deal, the company’s revenue model and what it signals.
Altair-1 Satellite: Inside Orbitworks’ Bet on UAE-Built Earth Observation
Orbitworks has launched the first commercial satellite built in the UAE. We look at the Marlan and Loft Orbital joint venture, its customers, rivals and the US$1 billion expansion.
Isar Aerospace Spectrum Reaches Orbit: The Business Case After Flight Two
Isar Aerospace reached orbit from Norway on its second attempt. We look at the backlog, the capital raised, the 40-launch ambition and the limits that could slow it down.
Vikram-1 Launch: How Skyroot Put India’s First Private Rocket in Orbit
Skyroot Aerospace reached orbit on its first attempt in July 2026. Here is what the Vikram-1 flight means for the company’s revenue model, valuation, customers and rivals.
How the Starlink Business Became SpaceX’s Revenue Engine
Starlink generated $11.4 billion of SpaceX’s $18.7 billion revenue in 2025. How the service was built, how it earns money and what the 2026 IPO filings disclosed.