The hottest Commercial Space Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Starship: Can One Rocket Change the Entire Space Industry?

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Space Exploration Aerospace Engineering Innovation Commercial Space
  1. Starship aims to drastically lower the cost of launching payloads into space, making it more affordable for various missions. This could mean launching things into orbit for just $100 per kilogram, which is a huge drop from the current price.
  2. The rocket is designed to be fully reusable, meaning both its stages can be used again and again. This will help SpaceX perform more launches efficiently and at a lower cost.
  3. Starship has the potential to open up opportunities for space tourism, lunar missions, and even trips to Mars. It could make space travel as common as taking a plane someday.

Stars, Stripes, and Satellites

Case Closed • 275 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Space Tech Military Satellites Commercial Space
  1. The US military heavily relies on space technology for various purposes like intelligence, surveillance, and communications.
  2. Due to evolving threats and outdated technology, the US government established the Space Development Agency (SDA), with a significant budget increase and focus on commercial partnerships.
  3. The SDA is deploying a new military satellite constellation quickly, offering a substantial $30B+ contracting opportunity for satellite manufacturers and leading to potential growth in the commercial space industry.

International Agreements and Laws Shaping Space Exploration

Space Ambition • 119 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌐 International Commercial Space
  1. There is a growing need for clear rules about how to use and own resources in space. As more nations explore the moon, they need to figure out how to work together peacefully.
  2. The Artemis Accords are a new set of principles that promote cooperation and safety in lunar exploration. They aim to ensure that space use is transparent and peaceful, though some of their goals may conflict with older treaties.
  3. As private companies start to play a bigger role in space exploration, laws need to adapt to include these actors. Clear regulations will help guide how they operate and share the benefits of space exploration.

China’s Launch Trends and Spacecraft Deployments

Ill-Defined Space • 19 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Space Exploration Aerospace Industry International relations Commercial Space
  1. China's space launches are increasing every year since 2019, showing a steady upward trend. This suggests that China is getting more active in space exploration.
  2. While more spacecraft are being deployed, most of these are small satellites. This means that China is focusing on smaller, more cost-effective missions rather than larger projects.
  3. China's space industry has many different launch options, which is similar to trends in other countries. This variety helps make launches more efficient and affordable.

SpaceX’s Launch Growth: Quantity Over Quality?

Ill-Defined Space • 28 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Space Industry Commercial Space
  1. Counting launches and numbers in the space industry can look impressive, but it may not reflect the industry's true health. Much of the activity is driven by one company, SpaceX, which creates a misleading picture of overall growth.
  2. SpaceX recently lowered its launch goal for 2024. Even though the adjusted goal still means launching more than last year, it's questionable why they set such ambitious targets in the first place if they seem unlikely to be met.
  3. Most of SpaceX's launches are for its own Starlink project, meaning fewer launches are benefiting external customers. This focus could stifle competition and innovation in the broader space industry.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Tootling Through SpaceCom 2024

Ill-Defined Space • 9 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Space Conferences Innovation Environmental Concerns Commercial Space
  1. The SpaceCom conference in 2024 had a smaller feel compared to other major events like the Space Symposium.
  2. A variety of interesting exhibitors were present, discussing cutting-edge topics like nuclear thorium-based batteries and concerns about satellite constellations.
  3. Attendees of the conference raised environmental concerns about satellite deorbiting and particulates released into the atmosphere.