Space Startups to Watch in 2025

The NewSpace industry continues to attract talented teams and significant capital. From reusable rockets to space manufacturing, these startups are developing technologies and business models that could define the next decade of space activity.

Launch Startups

Stoke Space

Stoke Space is developing a fully and rapidly reusable rocket, targeting aircraft-like turnaround times. The company's novel approach to upper stage reuse—using an innovative heat shield and propulsive landing—could be transformative if successful. Founded by former Blue Origin engineers, Stoke has raised over $100 million.

Phantom Space

Phantom Space is building a vertically integrated small launch company, developing both rockets and satellites. The company emphasizes manufacturing at scale using automated production techniques.

Launcher

Launcher (acquired by Vast) developed 3D-printed rocket engines with innovative combustion chamber designs. The technology continues under Vast's orbital station development.

European Launchers

Isar Aerospace and Rocket Factory Augsburg in Germany are racing to provide European small launch capability. Both have secured significant funding and launch contracts.

Satellite and Constellation Startups

Albedo

Albedo is developing satellites for ultra-high-resolution Earth imaging—10 centimeter resolution that would rival classified government systems. The company raised significant funding and secured commercial contracts.

Tomorrow.io

Tomorrow.io is deploying radar satellites for weather monitoring, complementing its weather forecasting platform. The company aims to provide more detailed and frequent weather data than traditional sources.

E-Space

E-Space is developing a massive LEO constellation (potentially 100,000+ satellites) designed with sustainability as a core principle. The company claims its satellites will be fully demisable and help clean up debris.

Space Infrastructure

Vast

Vast is developing Haven, a commercial space station designed to eventually replace ISS capacity. Founded by cryptocurrency entrepreneur Jed McCaleb, Vast has acquired Launcher and is developing both station and transportation capabilities.

Gravitics

Gravitics is developing large-volume space habitats and structures. The company's approach could enable affordable space stations and in-space facilities.

Orbit Fab

Orbit Fab is building infrastructure for in-space refueling. The company has launched fuel depots and is developing the standards and systems for on-orbit propellant transfer.

In-Space Services

Astroscale

Astroscale leads the debris removal and satellite servicing market. The company has demonstrated rendezvous and proximity operations and is developing commercial services for end-of-life satellite disposal.

Starfish Space

Starfish Space is developing autonomous docking technology for satellite servicing. The company's approach could enable inspection, repair, and repositioning of spacecraft.

Propulsion and Components

Ursa Major

Ursa Major develops rocket engines as a merchant supplier. The company provides propulsion to multiple launch vehicle developers, avoiding the vertical integration approach of SpaceX.

Phase Four

Phase Four develops radio-frequency plasma thrusters for small satellites. The company's propulsion systems use novel physics to achieve electric propulsion without traditional hollow cathodes.

Impulse Space

Impulse Space is developing orbital transfer vehicles that deliver satellites from launch vehicle drop-off to their final orbits. Founded by former SpaceX propulsion lead, the company enables more efficient constellation deployment.

Space Manufacturing

Varda Space Industries

Varda Space Industries is developing orbital factories for pharmaceutical and materials manufacturing. The company successfully returned products from orbit in 2024, demonstrating the viability of in-space production.

Outpost

Outpost is developing reentry vehicles to return items from orbit. The company's approach could enable regular return of space-manufactured products and other cargo.

Lunar and Deep Space

Astrolab

Astrolab is developing the FLEX lunar rover for crewed and autonomous operations. The company won a NASA contract for Artemis surface transportation.

Lunar Outpost

Lunar Outpost develops autonomous rovers and resource prospecting systems for the Moon. The company's technology supports commercial and government lunar exploration.

What Sets Them Apart

These startups share common characteristics:

• Strong technical teams: Often founded by alumni from SpaceX, Blue Origin, or major aerospace companies
• Novel approaches: Not just copying existing technology but finding new solutions
• Commercial focus: Building sustainable businesses, not just technology demonstrations
• Significant funding: Well-capitalized to execute their plans
• Clear milestones: Demonstrable progress toward commercial operations

Investment Considerations

Space startups carry significant risk. Technology development is difficult, timelines often slip, and the path to profitability is long. However, declining launch costs and growing markets create opportunities that didn't exist a decade ago.

The most promising startups combine strong teams, novel technology, and business models suited to emerging markets. Investors should evaluate execution capability alongside technology claims.