Premier 25: Profiling Orbital Flight Industry Titans
Premier 25: Profiling Orbital Flight Industry Titans
The orbital flight industry is making space more accessible than ever before. These companies offer various services such as the engineering of spacecraft for interstellar travel, the designing and launching of satellites, and advancing space technology. Unprecedented advancements have seen an increase in private enterprises competing to produce advanced and flexible space transportation solutions, and even planning manned missions to Mars. Companies like SpaceX, Firefly Aerospace, and Virgin Orbit are revolutionising the industry, creating cutting-edge possibilities for space exploration and communication. As we put more emphasis on space accessibility, the future of this industry appears to be moving towards regular commercial space travel and beyond.
Top 25 Orbital Flight Companies
1. SpaceX
- Website: spacex.com
- Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States
- Founded: 2002
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Latest funding type: Private Equity
SpaceX is a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company. It offers advanced rockets and spacecrafts for various missions.
2. Firefly Aerospace
- Website: firefly.com
- Headquarters: Cedar Park, Texas, United States
- Founded: 2017
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Series C
Firefly.com is a company that specializes in providing end-to-end space transportation and in-space services. They offer a range of services including orbital launch vehicle solutions, space utility vehicles, and lunar landers. With a focus on engineering the next-generation infrastructure for space activities, Firefly.com is dedicated to creating innovative solutions in the space industry.
3. Virgin Orbit
- Website: virginorbit.com
- Headquarters: Long Beach, California, United States
- Founded: 2017
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Latest funding type: Post Ipo Debt
Virgin Orbit is a premier satellite launch service that offers state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and agile launch capabilities to propel human curiosity to new heights. With their LauncherOne rocket, they provide affordable and flexible launch solutions for small satellites, connecting us across vast distances and expanding the limits of human knowledge.
4. Virgin Galactic
- Website: virgingalactic.com
- Headquarters: Tustin, California, United States
- Founded: 2004
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
Virgin Galactic is the world's first commercial spaceline, connecting people to the love, wonder, and awe created by space travel. They offer fully immersive training programs and provide bespoke spacesuits and boots for astronauts. With their feather technology, the spacecraft combines capsule design and winged vehicles. Virgin Galactic believes that space belongs to everyone and aims to inspire others through their astronauts' journeys.
5. Astra
- Website: astra.com
- Headquarters: Alameda, California, United States
- Founded: 2016
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
Astra is a company that offers dedicated launch services for payloads up to 600kg to low Earth orbit, aiming to improve life on Earth from space. They help power more efficient and affordable agriculture and fine-tune sustainable practices in the forestry industry. Astra is ready to assist in creating a better future.
6. Arianespace
- Website: arianespace.com
- Headquarters: Evry Courcouronne, Central Region, France
- Founded: 1980
- Headcount: 201-500
Arianespace is a company that offers satellite launch services to clients worldwide. They specialize in launching satellites into various orbits and altitudes. With a strong track record and experience in the industry, Arianespace provides reliable and efficient launch solutions.
7. Isar Aerospace
- Website: isaraerospace.com
- Headquarters: Ottobrunn, Bavaria, Germany
- Founded: 2018
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Series B
Isar Aerospace is a space company that offers launch services for small and medium-sized satellites, providing access to space. They focus on in-house manufacturing and are committed to minimizing environmental impact.
8. Terran Orbital Corporation
- Website: terranorbital.com
- Headquarters: Boca Raton, Florida, United States
- Founded: 2013
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of small satellites primarily serving the United States and Allied aerospace and defense industries. They provide end-to-end satellite solutions combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and in-orbit support to meet the needs of military, civil, and commercial customers.
9. Launcher
- Website: launcherspace.com
- Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States
- Founded: 2017
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Acquired
LauncherSpace.com is a company that develops and offers the world's most efficient rockets and transfer vehicles to deliver small satellites to orbit. They combine the cost-effective economics of large rocket rideshare with the flexibility of a dedicated launch service.
10. Skyrora Ltd
- Website: skyrora.com
- Headquarters: Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City Of, United Kingdom
- Founded: 2017
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Grant
Skyrora is a UK-based rocket company specializing in space technology and innovations. They offer launch services and space solutions for satellites and orbital spacecraft. Skyrora aims to become the leading launch provider in the UK and the top commercial provider for access to space.
11. Gilmour Space Technologies
- Website: gspacetech.com
- Headquarters: Helensvale, Queensland, Australia
- Founded: 2013
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Grant
Gilmour Space Technologies is an Australian New Space company that specializes in the manufacturing of launch vehicles and satellite platforms. Backed by prominent investors, the company is on track to launch their Australian-made Eris rockets and G-class satellite platforms into Low Earth Orbits (LEO) from 2023.
12. Nanoracks LLC
- Website: nanoracks.com
- Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
- Founded: 2009
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Grant
Nanoracks is a company that specializes in payload services and satellite launches. They offer a range of services for organizations of all sizes, including microgravity research and small satellite launches. Nanoracks also provides hosting services on the International Space Station (ISS) and operates in-space platforms. They have a vision of owning and operating private space stations and platforms to further scientific discoveries and industrial production. Nanoracks is committed to using their unique access to space to address global challenges such as water scarcity and climate change.
13. Firefly Space Systems
- Website: fireflyspace.com
- Headquarters: Cedar Park, Texas, United States
- Founded: 2014
- Headcount: 51-200
Firefly is a company that is engineering the next-generation infrastructure for space activities. They offer end-to-end space transportation and in-space services, providing economical small satellite launch solutions. Their boldness, ingenuity, and impatience for the future drive their mission to support the advancement of space exploration.
14. Orbex
- Website: orbex.space
- Headquarters: Forres, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Founded: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Latest funding type: Series C
Orbex is a leading orbital launch services company in Europe, offering flexible core launch services and supporting services for the small satellite industry. With their advanced launch vehicle, they provide higher reliability, flexible mission profiles, and scheduled launches.
15. Reaction Dynamics
- Website: reactiondynamics.space
- Headquarters: Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada
- Founded: 2016
- Headcount: 11-50
- Latest funding type: Grant
Reaction Dynamics is a company founded in 2017 that specializes in the development of a breakthrough launch technology based on hybrid propulsion. They offer highly reliable and eco-friendly launch services at a fraction of the cost. Starting in 2024, they will provide smallsat launch services to customers using their Aurora launch vehicle.
16. POLARIS Raumflugzeuge GmbH
- Website: polaris-raumflugzeuge.de
- Headquarters: Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Founded: 2019
- Headcount: 11-50
POLARIS Raumflugzeuge GmbH is a German aerospace start-up that specializes in the development of a revolutionary reusable space launch and hypersonic transport system. It combines aircraft and rocket launcher technologies with a unique vehicle design, offering game-changing economic viability and routine low-cost and safe access to space.
17. Space Operations, Inc.
- Website: spaceoperationsinc.com
- Headquarters: Huntsville, Alabama, United States
- Founded: 2011
- Headcount: 11-50
Space Operations, Inc. (SpaceOps) is a company focused on carrying flight crews and vital cargo into space. The company develops, operates, and maintains reusable spacecraft for use by the U.S. government and other organizations with space flight requirements.
18. Rocket Lab
- Website: rocketlabusa.com
- Headquarters: Long Beach, California, United States
- Founded: 2006
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Latest funding type: Grant
Rocket Lab USA is a company that provides space systems and solutions, including launch services, satellite components, space software, and separation systems.
19. Precious Payload
- Website: preciouspayload.com
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Founded: 2017
- Headcount: 11-50
- Latest funding type: Non Equity Assistance
Precious Payload is a software platform that offers tools for mission architecture redesign, funding acquisition, and landing paying customers in the space industry.
20. Rocket Factory Augsburg - RFA
- Website: rfa.space
- Headquarters: Augsburg, Bayern, Germany
- Founded: 2018
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Seed
RFA.space is a company that is focused on reducing launch costs in the space industry and democratizing access to space. They offer real-time satellite-based data that will revolutionize the industry, research, and society as a whole.
21. PLD Space
- Website: pldspace.com
- Headquarters: Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Founded: 2011
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Series B
PLD Space is a company that specializes in aerospace technology and offers a range of products and services. They are known for their expertise in rocket propulsion systems and spacecraft design. With a focus on innovation and quality, PLD Space is dedicated to advancing the field of space exploration.
22. SpaceNews
- Website: spacenews.com
- Headquarters: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
- Founded: 1989
- Headcount: 11-50
Spacenews.com is a website that provides news and updates on the commercial space industry, including satellite launches, space exploration, and related policies and politics.
23. Space Launch
- Website: spacelaunchinc.com
- Headquarters: La Jolla, California, United States
- Headcount: 1-10
Space Launch Inc is a company that operates in the Defense & Space industry. It employs 6-10 people and has $1M-$5M of revenue. The company is headquartered in La Jolla, California.
24. Sent Into Space - Near Space marketing experts.
- Website: sentintospace.com
- Headquarters: Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
- Founded: 2011
- Headcount: 11-50
Sent Into Space Ltd is a marketing-focused space agency specializing in space-themed marketing campaigns and publicity stunts. They offer a complete suite of services, including campaign planning, video production, and VFX, to ensure brands make a lasting impression. With their expertise, clients can achieve millions of views and engagements on social media at a fraction of the cost of other marketing campaigns.
25. Sierra Space
- Website: sierraspace.com
- Headquarters: Louisville, Colorado (Co), France
- Founded: 2021
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Latest funding type: Series A
Sierra Space is a commercial space company that is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth. They develop high-performance space components and systems, including rocket engines and propulsion. Sierra Space offers a supportive and upbeat culture where personal contributions have an impact.
Want to find more orbital flight companies?
If you want to find more companies that provide space transportation solutions, satellite launches, and interstellar spacecraft engineering you can do so with Inven. This list was built with Inven and there are hundreds of companies like these globally.
With Inven you'll also get to know the company's:
- Ownership: Which of these are private equity backed? Which are family-owned?
- Contact data: Who are the owners and CEO's? What are their emails and phone numbers?
- Financials: How do these companies perform financially? What are their revenues and profit margins?
...and a lot more!
