The World’s Top 10 Innovative Space Companies According to Fast Company
Have you ever dreamed of exploring a career that involves outer space? Well, there are already viable careers related to space travel! The space industry is working towards initiatives like space tourism, sustainability, and satellite development. While hundreds of space companies are making moves in the industry, these ten businesses dominate the space (no pun intended).
Here are the most innovative space companies of 2022, according to Fast Company.
SpaceX
SpaceX is known for its budding space tourism, allowing astronauts and other civilians to travel to space. Since its first launch in 2021, the company has launched over 30 people from its four facilities across the country.
Planet Labs
With more than 200 satellites orbiting the planet, Planet Labs’ geospatial technology is used for agricultural and sustainability purposes. Customers pay a subscription to access millions of high-resolution photos of various locations.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Last year, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory officially launched the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). This technology is the first-ever defense mechanism to protect the globe from asteroids. DART spacecraft “will navigate toward an asteroid and intentionally collide with it in order to change its trajectory” (Fast Company).
Relativity Space
Relativity Space is a manufacturer specializing in 3D-printed rockets. The company successfully launched its first rock, the Terran 1, and is gearing up to launch a second rocket, called Terran R.
Kymeta
Kymeta provides broad communications services to improve satellite and cellular access to its customers. It’s the first satellite and cellular service is “designed to serve the unique characteristics of flat-panel antennas used in land-mobile applications” (Kymeta).
ABL Space Systems
Headquartered in El Segundo, ABL Space Systems produces launch vehicles and other launch systems technology. They plan to launch their first rocket, the RS1, shortly.
Astroscale
Astrocale is a Japanese startup currently leading sustainability efforts in space. Astroscale “offers operators and launcher choices and flexibility across the spectrum of on-orbit servicing, while creating a sustainable foundation for the growth of the space economy in the process” (Astroscale).
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is similar to SpaceX, releasing rockets for space tourism. Since 2021, it has launched 23 successful flights. Last December, the company revealed its plans to launch a revised version of its rocket, Neutron.
GHGSat
GHGSat uses satellites to detect greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane leaks across the globe. With three satellites in orbit, the company plans to add seven more in the future.
Totum Labs
Totum Labs uses Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to provide satellite and cellular services to its consumers. Their global tracking ship can offer indoor and outdoor monitoring.