Independent Space Industry Coverage

Independent news and analysis covering the commercial space industry. An editorially independent publication — not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to SpaceX, xAI, or any other company mentioned.

Relativity Space Terran R Achieves Orbit on Debut

The 3D-printed rocket maker succeeds on its first orbital attempt with the larger Terran R vehicle.

October 26, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

Planet Labs Launches Next-Gen Earth Observation Constellation

Planet deploys 36 high-resolution satellites with daily revisit capability for any point on Earth.

October 19, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

Phantom Space Targets Dedicated Small Launch at $4M Per Flight

Arizona-based startup aims to undercut competitors with a mass-produced small launch vehicle.

October 12, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

Orbital Reef Station Passes Preliminary Design Review

Blue Origin and Sierra Space’s commercial station project advances toward construction phase.

October 5, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

Northrop Grumman MEV-3 Extends Life of Another GEO Satellite

Mission Extension Vehicle docks with aging communications satellite, adding 5+ years of operational life.

September 28, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

Blue Origin's New Glenn Completes Second Orbital Flight

Jeff Bezos’ heavy-lift rocket demonstrates reusability on its second mission, landing its booster successfully.

September 21, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

NASA Selects Three Companies for Lunar Cargo Missions

NASA awards contracts for delivering scientific instruments and supplies to the lunar surface through 2028.

September 14, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

Mars Sample Return Mission Redesigned with Commercial Partners

NASA announces a faster, cheaper approach to returning Mars samples using commercial launch and spacecraft providers.

September 7, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

Japan's H3 Rocket Wins First Commercial Export Contract

JAXA’s new flagship rocket secures its first non-Japanese customer, marking Japan’s entry into commercial launch competition.

August 31, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff

Isar Aerospace Spectrum Rocket Reaches Orbit from European Soil

German startup achieves orbit from Andøya, Norway, giving Europe a new commercial launch option.

August 24, 2026 · 1 min · The Launch Pad Staff