Virgin Galactic Archives - The Enterprise Orbit

Proposed spaceport gives Italy’s commercial space sector a boost

Italy’s proposed Grottaglie spaceport is attracting new deals with private space firms that could spur more activity in the country’s budding commercial space sector. Sitael, a small satellite manufacturer and Italy’s largest private space company, recently announced an agreement with Virgin Orbit for “extensive collaboration” on future launches and “investment into future launch system evolution.” “The demand for small satellites grows higher every day and the ability to launch on

Advances in suborbital flight will open up new global markets

Experts are predicting a new age of space research as US-based space companies inch closer to offering frequent suborbital flights for commercial, research and academic uses. Amidst a brewing battle between private space firms in the US, Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin and Richard Branson-backed Virgin Galactic are both making strides in their respective -- and yet unrealized -- suborbital vehicle launch businesses. Last year, Blue Origin concluded a successful suborbital