Investment in space startups surged from $1.79B last year to $3.5B in Q3 2025, driven by a wider range of companies and sustained defense spending, according to Seraphim Space.
- Funding now spreads beyond SpaceX & OneWeb, signaling a maturing, diverse space sector.
- Top deals led by hardware-focused defense firms: Hadrian, Apex, Hermeus; China’s Galactic Energy raised $336M.
- Public space companies Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, and AST SpaceMobile have more than doubled/tripled on investor optimism.
- Analysts predict momentum to continue into 2026 with commercial satellite networks and government procurement boosting dual-use tech opportunities.