SpaceTech Weekly Recap – December 22–28, 2025
Major funding, new missions and setbacks: what mattered last week in space innovation.
Welcome to the newest version of SpaceTech Weekly, where we bring you a curated look each week at the biggest moves in SpaceTech – from funding and M&A to market trends, contracts and a quick stock snapshot. Subscribe to stay updated with the latest developments in SpaceTech. This recap is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
“The holiday season brought fewer headlines, but several developments are worth noting. Starlab secured funding to advance its next-generation space station, and NASA’s Artemis program continues to move forward, with officials saying the mission is expected to land humans on the Moon by 2028. Rocket Lab ended the year with 21 successful launches and continued developing the Neutron rocket, though stock price stagnated. India’s BlueBird 6 satellite launch marks progress in affordable, service-oriented satellite technology. At the same time, Blue Origin appointed former ULA CEO Tory Bruno to lead its national security efforts, signaling ongoing competition among the giants of the launch industry.” - Commentary by Matej Pretković
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Here is a quick overview of news that happened this week:
M&A & Funding
CACI agrees to acquire ARKA Group to improve its technology in space-based sensing and intelligence
Blue Origin hires Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance, to lead its national security group
Starlab receives investment from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank
Market
Shanghai Stock Exchange issues guidelines that ease reviewing rocket companies
White House issues executive order on American space superiority
Launch
Indian rocket launches BlueBird 6 smartphone satellite into orbit
Rocket Lab launches for iQPS, finishes 2025 with 21 launches and 100% success rate
AST SpaceMobile successfully launches BlueBird 6, the largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit
Exolaunch signs agreement to launch eight Axelspace satellites
Contracts
Sidus Space gets contract with Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD program
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M&A & Funding
CACI to acquire ARKA Group for $2.6B, deepening its space and intelligence capabilities
What happened: CACI International announced a definitive agreement to acquire ARKA Group from Blackstone Tactical Opportunities in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.6 billion. The deal expands CACI’s footprint in space-based sensing, ground software processing, and actionable intelligence for U.S. national security customers. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 fiscal 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, and is projected to generate a $225 million tax benefit (present value).
Why it matters: The acquisition materially advances CACI’s space strategy at a time of rising demand from the Intelligence Community, U.S. Space Force, and the Department of Defense. ARKA’s space-based sensor technologies and analytics strengthen CACI’s ability to deliver end-to-end intelligence solutions—from collection to actionable insight—at scale and speed. Strategically, it positions CACI as a more integrated national security technology leader in the increasingly contested space domain.
Investor angle: The deal signals CACI’s commitment to long-term growth in high-priority defense and space markets, with expectations of increased free cash flow and shareholder value creation. The all-cash structure, projected tax benefits, and alignment with mission-critical spending priorities may enhance CACI’s growth profile, while ARKA’s established customer relationships and technical depth could accelerate revenue synergies over time.
Blue Origin hires United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno to head its national security group
What happened: Blue Origin announced the hiring of Tory Bruno, former CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), as president of its newly created National Security Group. Bruno, who previously collaborated with Blue Origin on the BE-4 rocket engine, will lead efforts to expand Blue Origin’s national security launch capabilities.
Why it matters: This leadership move signals Blue Origin’s intensified push in the commercial space race, particularly against competitors like SpaceX. With Bruno’s deep industry experience and proven track record, Blue Origin aims to accelerate development and secure more national security contracts using its New Glenn rocket, advancing the company’s position in space launch services.
Investor angle: Bruno’s appointment highlights Blue Origin’s strategic focus on capturing a larger share of the lucrative national security launch market. The move could enhance investor confidence as Blue Origin works to certify New Glenn for more frequent missions and compete more aggressively with established players, potentially driving future growth and contract wins.
Starlab receives investment from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank
What happened: Starlab Space LLC announced that Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited (SuMi TRUST Bank) has invested in Starlab. The bank aims to back innovative ventures as part of its impact-investing initiatives, supporting Starlab’s development and commercialization of space-station technologies and exploring collaboration opportunities to advance space-related industries globally and in Japan.
Why it matters: The investment underscores financial support for space infrastructure development. Starlab’s AI-enabled, next-generation space station aims to sustain human presence in low-Earth orbit and transition microgravity research away from the ISS, while enabling R&D in areas such as advanced materials and life sciences with potential global and Japanese industrial benefits.
Investor angle: The SuMi TRUST Bank investment provides strategic backing to develop and commercialize Starlab’s space-station technologies. The potential for collaboration and the focus on space-related industries in Japan and globally may influence partnerships, market perception, and the broader value proposition of Starlab’s platform.
Market
Shanghai Stock Exchange issues guidelines for reviewing rocket companies
What happened: The Shanghai Stock Exchange published guidelines for reviewing commercial rocket companies seeking to list, under guidance from the China Securities Regulatory Commission. The guidelines refer to item 9 of the rocket industry listing standards and stress alignment with national space plans, technology maturity, manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, risk controls, and security considerations. The article notes ongoing government efforts in 2024-25 to promote space development and a 2025 central proposal to accelerate the aerospace power program.
Why it matters: The move signals a formal regulatory framework for space-related IPOs in China and reflects the government’s priority on space and related high-tech industries. It could affect which rocket firms can access capital, influence governance expectations, and shape how the sector aligns with national strategic goals.
Investor angle: The guidelines provide clearer eligibility criteria and compliance expectations for rocket-related listings, but also raise requirements around core technology, security, and supply chains. Companies meeting the criteria may gain faster access to public capital, while others may face longer timelines or higher scrutiny.
White House issues executive order on American space superiority
What happened: The White House issued an executive order on December 18, 2025, titled \”Ensuring American Space Superiority,\” to bolster U.S. space leadership and accelerate lunar and deep-space programs, including a Moon return by 2028 and a 2030 lunar outpost and reactor. It also calls for acquisition and spectrum reforms and revokes the National Space Council.
Why it matters: The order signals a broad shift toward faster, more government-driven space development and closer integration of national security with civil space programs. By streamlining acquisitions and spectrum management, it aims to reduce procurement hurdles and enable commercial solutions, while revoking the NSpC could affect governance of space policy.
Investor angle: The EO signals potential growth in government contracts and private sector partnerships for Artemis-era missions, space-nuclear technology, and spectrum-enabled space operations. Acquisition reforms via OTA and SAAs could speed awards, but the revocation of the NSpC and unclear governance may add policy risk.
Launch
Indian rocket launches BlueBird 6 smartphone satellite into orbit
What happened: An Indian rocket successfully placed the BlueBird 6 smartphone satellite into orbit, marking a record-breaking milestone for the mission. The launch highlights continued progress in private and commercial space activities, with a smartphone-based satellite achieving orbital deployment and expanding the geographic footprint of launch campaigns.
Why it matters: This milestone matters as it demonstrates the viability of smartphone-based small satellites and reinforces India’s role in the growing private spaceflight sector. It signals demand for rapid, low-cost orbital deliveries and could influence future launches, satellite design approaches, and investment focus in the small-satellite ecosystem.
Investor angle: Investors would view this launch as signaling potential growth in the smartphone-satellite niche and in India’s launch capabilities, which could attract funding to satellite startups and related services. Risks remain around program cost, execution timelines, and competition in the global small-satellite market.
Rocket Lab launches for iQPS, finishes 2025 with 21 launches and 100% success rate
What happened: Rocket Lab successfully launched its 21st Electron rocket of 2025 from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, deploying the QPS-SAR-15 satellite for iQPS. The mission, ‘The Wisdom God Guides,’ expands iQPS’s SAR constellation for near-real-time imagery across twelve orbits, and is Electron’s 79th mission and 2025 finale.
Why it matters: This milestone underscores the rapid cadence and reliability of the Electron platform, setting a new annual record with 21 launches in 2025 and a 100% mission success rate. It reinforces Rocket Lab’s position as America’s leading small-lift launcher and supports iQPS’s growing SAR constellation for customers globally.
Investor angle: Investors may view this as validation of Rocket Lab’s business model focused on frequent, reliable small launches. With Electron serving as iQPS’s primary launcher and five additional Electron missions planned for 2026, the company signals growth through multi-launch constellation deployments and international civil/defense programs in Japan and Europe.
AST SpaceMobile successfully launches BlueBird 6, the largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit
What happened: AST SpaceMobile announced that its BlueBird 6 satellite successfully reached orbit following its launch. The company states that BlueBird 6 constitutes the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit, aimed at expanding space-based mobile connectivity capabilities. This milestone follows previous tests and signals progress toward broader service opportunities.
Why it matters: The launch highlights the growth of large, space-based commercial communications assets in low Earth orbit. A successful deployment of BlueBird 6 could advance the industry toward more expansive satellite connectivity capabilities, potentially enabling broader coverage and new business models for mobile networks that rely on orbital infrastructure.
Investor angle: The milestone may signal progress toward scalable space-based connectivity offerings from AST SpaceMobile and could influence views on the company’s growth prospects. Risks include technical challenges, regulatory approvals, and timely commercialization of large orbital assets, which could affect future profitability and capital needs.
Exolaunch signs agreement to launch eight Axelspace satellites
What happened: Exolaunch and Axelspace signed a Multi-Launch Agreement securing launches for eight Axelspace satellites on upcoming missions, including one satellite for AxelLiner Laboratory, Axelspace’s in-orbit demonstration service. The partnership aims to align launch availability with mission timelines and orbital requirements, expanding long-term collaboration.
Why it matters: The MLA addresses the challenge of securing flexible, timely access to orbit amid rising global launch demand, especially for in-orbit demonstration missions. By coordinating launches for AxelLiner and AxelGlobe programs and leveraging Exolaunch’s global footprint, it could shorten deployment timelines and reduce schedule risk.
Investor angle: The agreement signals stronger commercial alignment and growth potential for Axelspace’s satellite programs, underpinned by Exolaunch’s flight heritage and global launch management. It could improve launch reliability and timing, potentially expanding future contracts and investor value as demand for rapid, flexible access to orbit persists.
Contracts
Sidus Space gets contract with Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD program
What happened: Sidus Space was named an awardee under the Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD IDIQ contract, with a ceiling of $151 billion. The award supports the Golden Dome strategy by enabling rapid delivery of capabilities across air, missile, space, cyber, and hybrid threats using AI/ML, digital engineering, and open architectures.
Why it matters: This matters because the SHIELD program creates an enterprise-wide procurement path for rapid, innovative defense capabilities, supporting multi-domain operations. It highlights the growing role of AI/ML-enabled, digitally engineered solutions and open architectures to counter evolving threats in air, space, cyber, and hybrid domains, expanding opportunities for Sidus Space.
Investor angle: The award positions Sidus Space as a defense partner with expanded hardware, software, and AI-driven systems, potentially supporting longer-term revenue through SHIELD task orders. The $151 billion ceiling signals scale, though actual orders depend on future needs and program execution.
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Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or correctness. Readers should conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.