The New Space Economy Gains Momentum in 2026: The space sector is rapidly transforming as startups take center stage in innovation. Across satellite data, launch systems, propulsion, and AI-led platforms, young companies are challenging traditional space models. With strong startup activity in the US, India, and Europe, 2026 is emerging as a defining year for commercial and deep-tech space ventures.
Cenital Space Brings Real-Time Intelligence to Satellite Data: Cenital Space is building a unified satellite imagery platform that blends space-based data with IoT sensors and cloud applications. Its core tool enables continuous monitoring, automated alerts, and customizable dashboards that help organizations manage resources, detect inefficiencies, and respond swiftly to critical events using real-time satellite intelligence.
Stellar Nuclear Focuses on Reliable Power Beyond Earth: Stellar Nuclear is addressing the energy limitations of long-duration space missions through compact nuclear power systems. Its technology converts heat from radioisotopes into steady power and supports advanced propulsion and microreactor designs. These systems are engineered with safety modeling and radiation analysis, making them suitable for deep-space exploration and off-grid planetary operations.
Andromach Makes Microgravity Research More Accessible: Andromach is developing a reusable suborbital spaceplane that offers short bursts of microgravity for scientific testing. The vehicle takes off and lands like an aircraft while switching to rocket propulsion mid-flight to achieve weightlessness. This approach allows frequent, cost-efficient testing of space hardware before full orbital deployment.
Olee Builds a Secure Optical Network in Space: Olee is creating an optical mesh network that links satellites across low, medium, and geostationary orbits using laser communication. Its system dynamically routes data in real time and embeds quantum-resistant encryption at the hardware level, ensuring fast, resilient, and secure global data transfer even under demanding conditions.
Vortyx Space Bets on Reusable Launch Systems: Vortyx Space is working on fully reusable launch vehicles designed to deliver heavy payloads into orbit with greater efficiency. By combining advanced propulsion with precise guidance controls, the company aims to shorten launch cycles, reduce costs, and promote sustainable access to space for research and commercial missions.
Impulse Space Simplifies Access to High-Energy Orbits: Impulse Space specializes in rideshare solutions that transport small satellites from primary launches to complex orbits. Using its transfer vehicles, satellite operators can reach medium Earth, geostationary, or deep-space trajectories without arranging dedicated launches, making high-energy orbit access more flexible and affordable. This photostory is intended for informational purposes only and is based on data from StartUs Insights.
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