SpaceTech Weekly Recap – December 29 – January 4, 2026
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.
“Across the week, capital is flowing toward faster, domestic space capabilities: China’s LandSpace backs a $1 billion IPO to push reusable rockets, signaling backing for domestic tech. In Europe, GomSpace lands a 50 million SEK contract for microsatellites, underscoring sovereign programs. Meanwhile SpaceX sustains a blistering cadence of launches and Starship tests.” - Commentary by Matej Pretković
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Here is a quick overview of news that happened this week:
M&A & Funding
China’s LandSpace aims for $1 billion IPO in reusable rocket technology
Market
U.S. defense spending increases for hypersonics and rapid launch
Launch
SpaceX completes 165 Falcon launches and five Starship flight tests in 2025
Contracts
GomSpace gets 50MSEK contract with European defense firm
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M&A & Funding
China’s LandSpace aims for $1 billion IPO in reusable rocket technology
What happened: LandSpace, a Chinese private space company, announced plans for an approximately $1 billion initial public offering to fund its push into reusable rocket technology. The IPO would help accelerate development and commercial efforts amid China’s broader push to expand private-capital-backed space ventures.
Why it matters: If realized, the IPO would reflect growing investor interest in space-launch startups and indicate China’s commitment to advancing domestic reusable rocket capabilities. It highlights the funding needs of technology development in a competitive field and could influence capital dynamics for Chinese space ventures.
Investor angle: The move offers investors exposure to China’s developing reusable rocket program and a potential upside if LandSpace accelerates development and commercial deployment. Risks include the challenges of executing a complex, capital-intensive tech program and regulatory or market changes affecting China’s private space sector.
Market
U.S. defense spending increases for hypersonics and rapid launch
What happened: A news release reports that U.S. defense spending is rising in two strategic areas: hypersonics and rapid launch capabilities. The focus signals heightened government investment and priority given to faster, more capable weapons systems, with emphasis on accelerating development, testing, and potential deployment timelines.
Why it matters: The surge underscores a broader push in the defense sector toward next-generation propulsion and rapid deployment. If sustained, it could influence contractor priorities, supplier demand, and research investments as governments seek quicker turnarounds and decisive advantages in high-end mobility and strike capabilities.
Investor angle: For investors, the development highlights potential opportunities among companies focused on hypersonics and rapid-launch technology, as well as the risk of volatility tied to budget cycles and policy changes. Monitoring government spending plans could help identify early contract wins, partnerships, or earnings catalysts.
Launch
SpaceX completes 165 Falcon launches and five Starship tests in 2025
What happened: SpaceX completed 165 Falcon rocket launches and conducted five Starship flight tests during the year, according to the article’s headline. The report provides no additional details on missions, customers, or dates, focusing solely on the year’s launch and test counts.
Why it matters: The counts illustrate a high operating tempo for SpaceX’s Falcon family and Starship program, underscoring continued demand for launch services and ongoing development in deep-space capable vehicles. Such a cadence signals momentum in commercial and government missions, and relevance for investors tracking launch-market competition and tech progress.
Investor angle: Investors may view the year’s launch and test cadence as supporting SpaceX’s revenue visibility from launches and future Starship milestones. The report confirms activity but lacks broader context or contract details, introducing execution and timing risks that could influence near-term valuations.
Contracts
GomSpace gets 50MSEK contract with European defense firm
What happened: GomSpace has secured a contract worth 50 million SEK with a leading European defense company for a Space R&D program. The agreement covers the design, integration and delivery of a configured microsatellite platform, and the project is expected to be fully executed by summer 2027.
Why it matters: The deal highlights growing collaboration between the defense sector and commercial space suppliers in Europe, aiming to deliver sovereign space solutions. It also underscores GomSpace’s capability to provide proven satellite platforms, agile manufacturing and joint development with market leaders.
Investor angle: The contract provides revenue visibility through 2027 and reinforces GomSpace’s standing as a supplier for defense-related space programs, potentially supporting valuation by showcasing a larger, longer-duration project and validated demand for its microsatellite platforms.
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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.