Innovation in Orbit: What You Missed at Symposium, TSR Findings & The Vector’s Latest Episode
Welcome to the eighth edition of The Vector newsletter, a quarterly roundup of content, resources, and insights for the global space community brought to you by Space Foundation’s Space Commerce Institute. Read on for the following highlights:
Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities to connect, learn, and grow within the dynamic space economy. Stay informed, stay inspired, and stay connected!
The Space Report (Q1 2025)
The Q1 2025 edition of The Space Report highlights a dynamic start to the year across the global space sector, marked by major contracts, strategic partnerships, and technological advancements.
Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team
Canadian company MDA Space secured a $768 million contract with Globalstar to build over 50 satellites for a new low Earth orbit constellation, positioning itself alongside key players like SpaceX and Amazon in the satellite communications space. Meanwhile, U.S. startup Kall Morris Company achieved a major milestone in orbital debris removal by demonstrating its REACCH capture system aboard the International Space Station, utilizing gecko-inspired adhesion and robotic arms to safely collect debris of various shapes and sizes.
International momentum continued with the Australian Space Agency investing in five space technology projects, including navigation systems and off-world resource extraction tools. Notably, entX received significant funding to develop a lunar radioisotope heater unit. In a major transpacific collaboration, Japanese company SKY Perfect JSAT and U.S.-based Planet Labs announced a $230 million project to build a 10-satellite Earth observation constellation by 2027, marking the largest direct satellite sale in Planet Labs’ history. Additionally, Russia appointed Dmitry Bakanov as the new head of Roscosmos and reaffirmed plans to launch a new Russian Orbital Service Station by 2027, signaling a continued commitment to national space leadership despite recent challenges.
Space Investment Analysis | Live from the 40th Space Symposium
This Space Investment Analysis discussion highlighted the shift from experimental research to scalable space enterprise. Kelli Kedis Ogborn , Vice President, Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship was joined by industry expert, Mariel Borowitz and investment strategist, Justin Cadman to explore the rising momentum in lunar missions, the critical need for spaceport infrastructure, and the role of AI in accelerating innovation.
Key takeaways included renewed investor confidence, growth in the aerospace workforce, and the potential of LEO destinations and in-space manufacturing to drive the next wave of investment. The discussion underscored space as an emerging pillar of the global economy.
Now Available: The Vector Episode 26
What does it take to close the business case of space, and what factors should we be watching?
In this episode, Kelli Kedis Ogborn , vice president of space commerce and entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, is joined by Michael Mealling , General Partner at Starbridge Venture Capital, to explore how the commercial space sector is working to justify investment, scale sustainably, and deliver tangible economic returns.
Together, they examine what it means to validate the broader economic promise of space: proving enduring market demand, securing anchor customers, and demonstrating that space-based solutions can compete in—and create—new markets. Michael shares candid insight into the investment landscape, the importance of capital-efficient growth, and the signals investors are watching as space matures from a frontier to a foundational domain of commerce.
Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on how the business case for space is being built—and who’s paving the way for its long-term success.
Stay Connected with The Vector Podcast! Don’t miss out on the latest updates from the space community. By subscribing to The Vector Podcast monthly updates, you’ll gain access to in-depth conversations with thought leaders who are shaping the future of space, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Share your thoughts on topics you would like us to cover, and join a community dedicated to the future of space. Subscribe Today
2025 Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition
As the Space Symposium marked its 40th anniversary, the 2025 Innovate Pitch Competition once again showcased the vital role startups play in driving space innovation and market growth. Hosted in partnership with Starburst, the competition gave a dedicated stage to emerging ventures working to disrupt legacy models, accelerate capabilities, and reimagine what’s possible in space.
This year, seven cutting-edge startups—Orbital Outpost X, Novac, Precursor SPC, ANT61, Colossus, Starcloud, and Little Place Labs—pitched their capabilities to a panel of top-tier industry, government, and investment leaders, including Major General Clint Closier, Richard DalBello and Rob Long. Last year’s winner, Hubble Network, returned to provide an update on their growth.
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
The Innovate Pitch Competition continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for collaboration between startups and established players, advancing national security and commercial growth in a rapidly evolving space economy.
2025 Space Symposium New Frontiers Track
At the 40th Annual Space Symposium, the New Frontiers Track debuted—a full-day, in-person program designed to equip participants with strategies for thriving in the evolving space economy. Set against a backdrop of rapid innovation and increased global participation, the track offered a deep dive into the commercial, geopolitical, and technological forces shaping the future of space.
With topics ranging from cislunar development to space-to-Earth capabilities, attendees explored how emerging markets, novel technologies, and capital strategies are redefining the competitive landscape. The curated sessions—spanning interactive firesides, panels, keynotes, and thematic breakout discussions—offered actionable guidance for government, commercial, and international stakeholders alike.
Morning Highlights: Market Dynamics, New Entrants & Capital Flows The day began with remarks by Kelli Kedis Ogborn (Space Foundation) and Kevin O’Connell (Space Economy Rising), who set the stage for robust conversations on global market shifts. Two fireside chats followed—one focused on country-level space entrants featuring Robyn Henderson of New Zealand Space Agency, and another on new capabilities, with insights from Starfish Space, NATO, and others navigating strategic readiness in orbit.
A standout panel on Capital and Investment Strategies, moderated by Kedis Ogborn, convened voices from VenQuest, SpaceWERX, Boryung, Cailabs, J.P. Morgan, and the U.S. Department of Defense-Office of Strategic Capital, examining investment trends, dual-use technologies, and government capital deployment.
Keynote & Thematic Roundtable Discussions: Shaping Long-Term Growth Ron Birk of The Aerospace Corporation delivered a keynote on frameworks for sustainable industry growth.
The afternoon then shifted to collaborative breakout tables, where participants self-selected from 12 topical areas including:
Each roundtable was facilitated by experts with the goal of producing tangible, solution-oriented outputs.
Final Remarks & Community Building The track concluded with an out brief by Dr. Soichi Noguchi (JAXA) and Kelli Kedis Ogborn, followed by a networking session to forge future collaborations.
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It is one of the most important and biggest economic environment from now and long into the Future! Thanks for the Article & keep up the works of doing good!
Great information and I was particularly happy to see the Space Commerce Institute. What a great initiative!