Top stories: May 2016

31 May 2016

Each month we will round up some of the top stories in space, entrepreneurship, innovation, finance and technology.

Here’s our round-up for May:

Effects of changing economics on space architecture and engineering

Some interesting news on space startups. Let’s continue to innovate!

“Startup space ventures attracted $2.7 billion of investment and debt financing in 2015, of which $2.3 billion was investment, a historical record. Of the $2.3 billion total investment, $1.8 billion came from venture capital, more than the previous 15 years combined.”

Read more here.

Space economy annual growth rates compared with the global economy. Figure via: The Space Review
Space economy annual growth rates compared with the global economy. Figure via: The Space Review

India Launches Prototype Space Plane on 1st Test Flight

India flight-tested its robotic space plane prototype, known as the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), for the first time on May 22nd.

On May 23, 2016 local time, India launched the first test flight of its Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator, a winged, unmanned spacecraft that resembles a miniature space shuttle. Credit: Indian Space Research Organisation
On May 23, 2016 local time, India launched the first test flight of its Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator, a winged, unmanned spacecraft that resembles a miniature space shuttle. Credit: Indian Space Research Organisation

Planetary Resources Raises $21.1 Million in Series A Funding; Unveils Advanced Earth Observation Capability

Planetary Resources, Inc., the asteroid mining company, announced that it has secured US$21.1 million in Series A funding. The capital will be used to deploy and operate Ceres, an advanced Earth observation business that features the first commercial infrared and hyperspectral sensor platform to better understand and manage humanity’s natural resources. The funding was led by Bryan Johnson and the OS FUND; and joined by Idea Bulb Ventures; Tencant; Vast Ventures; Grishin Robotics; Conversion Capital; The Seraph Group; Space Angels Network, a syndication of investors from Angel.co; and Larry Page.

Read the full press release here.

Ceres, an advanced Earth observation business that features the first commercial infrared and hyperspectral sensor platform. Image credit: Planetary Resources
Ceres, an advanced Earth observation business that features the first commercial infrared and hyperspectral sensor platform. Image credit: Planetary Resources

Small satellites are back, with down-to-earth expectations

Small satellite launches have spiked since 2012, driving the growth of a complementary industry — launch vehicles. Read more here.

Every Startup Gains From An Incubator Or Accelerator

Every startup can benefit from the right incubator or accelerator, if they are realistic about their needs says Martin Zwilling, veteran startup mentor. Read more here.

Image credit: Shutterstock
Image credit: Shutterstock

4 Steps to Scaling Your Startup to the Next Level

Companies go through growth stages; lifecycles of peaks and valleys that cause it to ebb and flow with the current of the competitive landscape, which means the leader’s mindset needs to flow with it. If you aspire to grow your company, here are four things to remember when bridging the gap from small to large scale.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Image credit: Shutterstock.com