Musk’s SpaceX carried 88 more satellites into low orbit space. Since 2019, SpaceX has been building its space-based mega-constellation. So far more than 1500 Starlink satellites have been launched. To achieve global coverage the ultimate goal is to have 30,000 small satellites in space.
Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic also launched satellites belonging to the US Defense Department (DOD), SatRevolution, a Polish startup, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX are all backed by billionaires. SpaceX is years ahead of its competitors. And Branson and Bezos have both personally gone on space missions. There is little doubt that the space race is heating up.
Porsche SE Partners are motivated
Porsche SE is investing with the venture capital company HV Capital. And Swiss bank Lombard Odier has joined the group. The plan is to inject $75 million, as part of a $165 million funding round that also includes existing investors.
The global space launch services market is due to increase to $35.4 billion by 2027. It is likely that at least a third of that increase will come from the deployment of new satellites.
