In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Alex Greenberg, Co-founder and COO, Loft Orbital.The discussion centers on Loft Orbital's innovative approach as a "space-as-a-service" provider, simplifying satellite deployment for customers. The company recently announced $170 million in a Series C funding round.Loft Orbital's focus on offering standardized and turnkey satellite solutions, providing faster and more cost-effective access to space. The company distinguishes itself by not being vertically integrated, sourcing satellite buses from external partners, and prioritizing the integration of payloads and operational infrastructure. Looking forward, Loft Orbital plans to scale its operations, automate processes, and enable AI-powered satellite missions, allowing customers to deploy software applications in space with minimal customization and rapid deployment.
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Martijn Blanken, CEO, Neo Space Group (NSG).In the conversation, Blanken discussed the company's recent acquisitions and the role of sovereign wealth funds like Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in shaping the global commercial space industry. NSG was created last year by Saudi Arabia's PIF.NSG's strategy involves a mix of acquisitions, partnerships, and organic development across geospatial services, communications, navigation, and IoT. The company plans to lease satellite capacity initially and eventually own its own constellations. Sovereign wealth funds, like PIF, play a crucial role in providing capital and fostering innovation. NSG aims to balance global market reach with regional investments, leveraging partnerships and acquisitions to enhance capabilities. The company also focuses on workforce development, particularly in Saudi Arabia, through university partnerships and recruiting local talent.
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Peter Cannito, Chairman and CEO, Redwire.
The conversation focuses on Redwire's growth strategies, acquisition criteria, and positioning in the space industry. Cannito highlights the company's focus on inorganic growth, leveraging strategic acquisitions to scale and fill technological gaps. He discusses Redwire's criteria for targeting companies, emphasizing a preference for profitable or break-even entities and technologies that align with national security or dual-use applications. He also addresses integration challenges, pointing to the company's extensive experience and playbook-driven approach to M&A.
Additionally, Cannito outlines Redwire's recent expansions, such as new spacecraft platforms, emphasizing their adaptability and alignment with defense market demands. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the dynamic nature of the space industry, Redwire's vision of supporting commercial transitions, and the industry's challenges, including market unpredictability and evolving operational concepts.
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA Space.Greenley discusses the company’s evolution from subcontractor to constellation prime to capitalize on the industry’s growing preference for satellite builders with advanced payload expertise.Renowned for its iconic robotic arm on the International Space Station, MDA Space is making waves with investments in cutting-edge mass manufacturing facilities and an innovative digital satellite platform that’s rapidly gaining traction with customers.Greenley also shares his thoughts on satellite servicing, debris removal, and other pioneering advancements such as AI-driven robotics to keep MDA Space at the forefront of space technology.
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Shonnel Malani, Managing Partner, Advent International.In the conversation, Malani shares insights on how private equity investment is shaping the commercial space sector, particularly with technological innovations that have lowered costs and increased private participation. Malani highlights Advent's focus on national security, strategic technologies, and their high-profile investment in Maxar Technologies, emphasizing the company's role in advancing satellite and Earth observation technologies.The conversation also addresses Advent's approach to managing disruption in the fast-evolving space sector, emphasizing innovation, environmental responsibility, and their cautious approach to public-private partnerships. Additionally, they discuss Advent's strategies for incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations, noting the consistency of ESG principles across regions.
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Adel Al-Saleh, CEO, SES.SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh dives into the fleet operator’s bold moves in satellite innovation, including the Intelsat acquisition and the company’s multi-orbit strategy to outpace rivals like Starlink. Al-Saleh highlights a key strength: combining GEO, MEO, and LEO partnerships to deliver greater flexibility and resilience across industries — from government and defense to airlines and maritime. He also addresses SES’s push for agile development, regulatory shifts, and seamless integration with 5G networks. For space industry professionals, this is a must-watch on how SES plans to lead the multi-orbit era and redefine satellite connectivity.
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Phillip Ingle, Managing Director, Investment Banking Division, Morgan Stanley.
Phillip joined Morgan Stanley more than two decades ago as an analyst in Australia but soon moved to New York where he's been helping the Investment Bank cover large aerospace and defence companies. Several years ago he helped Morgan Stanley fine tune a focus on pure play space companies and in addition to facilitating merges and acquisitions, has been helping space companies raise capital through the debt and equity markets.
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Chris Moran, Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Ventures (LMV). LMV is Lockheed Martin's Venture Capital arm and about a third of its portfolio is invested in space. Some of its most notable space Investments include launchers Rocket Lab and ABL Space. LMV also initially invested in satellite maker Terran Orbital, which is now in the process of being sold to Lockheed Martin.
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Kirk Konert, a Managing Partner and board member at AE Industrial Partners (AEI). AEI is a private equity firm with over $6 billion in assets. AEI is a prime example of how institutional investors are now helping shape the space industry.
