Riverlabs’ Post

We are thrilled to announce the largest funding round in the European space technology sector since 2021.   Today, our space tech portfolio company, Isar Aerospace, announced a Series C extension to take its overall close to over EUR 220m, bringing total funding to more than EUR 400m. This funding round re-affirms Isar's position to become Europe’s leading launch service provider ensuring access to space from Europe.   And, in another first for Isar Aerospace, the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) has invested in what is the Fund's first direct investment in a satellite launch service provider - signalling a pivotal moment for European and global defence capabilities.   Lakestar has been proud to support and champion the European space tech industry, and we believe that much of Europe’s digital sovereignty will be decided in space. That’s why we are laser-focused on strengthening the European space tech ecosystem, which is home to some of the most developed scientific institutions and universities globally. We have backed Isar Aerospace since leading their Series B in 2020, then the biggest funding round in European space tech, and it has now become the most capitalized independent New Space company in Europe. The company is currently developing a launch service provider for small and medium-sized satellites that will offer Europe sustainable and cost-effective access to space.   Lakestar is committed to backing transformative players in space tech, and we can't wait to see how the sector evolves in the near future as we approach a new age of European-led space technology.   For more information, please follow this link to Isar's press release: https://lnkd.in/dBj93PVq Daniel Metzler Tina Schmitt #NATO #SpaceTech #Fundraising #VentureCapital #Europe

Innovation | Collaboration | Impact: Looking back five years, we're filled with pride as we reflect on the launch of the “Study of the Emerging Space Opportunity for New Mexico”. This groundbreaking report showcased New Mexico's potential as a space industry powerhouse! It highlighted the growth of the global space economy estimated to grow to $3T over next 20 years, New Mexico’s unique position to lead, having industry, Spaceport America, government thought leaders, investment and intellectual capital ready. NewSpace New Mexico was “unveiled” at the Economic Forum of Albuquerque on 18 Dec 2019, uniting industry leaders and setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements and on the same day, the new military branch, United States Space Force was announced. We shared the vision to lead the NewSpace strategy to capture this opportunity and be a leader in commercial space in the new space era. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to Growing the Space Industry from New Mexico for the Nation!  #NewSpaceNM #SpaceIndustry #Innovation #Aerospace #Innovation Bob Murphy Kathie Winograd Emily K. Howard Casey Anglada DeRaad Scott Sadler Dale R. Dekker, AIA, Peter Wegner Brad Clevenger Joe Sciabica

[Korea ushers in new space era with KASA launch] Korea AeroSpace Administration to focus on talent, R&D, industry and international cooperation, its chief says South Korea officially opened its first independent space-dedicated body, the Korea AeroSpace Administration, on Monday. “The role of KASA can be divided into four main sectors: establishing national aerospace policies, fostering talents while conducting R&D, promoting industry and international cooperation,” said Yoon Young-bin, chief of KASA and former aerospace engineering professor at Seoul National University, as he addressed his fellow officials in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province. As the Korean government has continuously emphasized the importance of expanding the space industry, the KASA chief again highlighted the need to prioritize support for the private sector so that companies can advance and lead commercial space businesses. “The establishment of KASA will be an important stepping stone that guides the way for Korea to become a powerhouse in space economy by setting up the private-led space ecosystem,” he said. Tap below to read full story. #KASA #Korea #AeroSpace #Administration #launch #aerospace #space #economy #private #government #Korea https://lnkd.in/gni2RBf8

🌌 The Future of Hypersonics and Space Propulsion The U.S. Air Force and the University of Central Florida are launching the HyperSpace Center to drive advancements in hypersonic travel and space exploration. This Center of Excellence will foster cutting-edge research and provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to engage in aerospace innovation. “They are gaining the opportunity to realize their dreams, to work towards expanding the scientific frontier and disciplines that are of great importance to the Department of Defense and also to the larger DoD ecosystem. The hyperspace hub is a place where these students can become the thought leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow.” - Col. Jackson, deputy director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. 📚 Explore how this partnership will define the future of aerospace: https://lnkd.in/e2GhDuwu #PartnerWithAFRL #AFOSR #BasicResearch #Innovation

Stars Aligning: DoD's Role in Shaping the Future of Commercial Space Innovation Last week's U.S. Chamber of Commerce event brought together space industry leaders and investors to delve into the Pentagon's evolving stance on commercial space activities. Amidst discussions, the Space Development Agency's endeavors stood out as a sign of increased collaboration between the public and private sectors. However, stakeholders remain eager for more definitive signals from the Department of Defense (DoD) regarding the scale and scope of future partnerships with the commercial space industry. As investors navigate through the complexities of government timelines and funding, they are still seeking clearer guidelines from the DoD on the utilization of commercial space products and services. The forthcoming U.S. Space Force strategy document holds promise in providing valuable insights into the DoD's approach to partnering with the commercial space industry. With a burgeoning space economy and innovative companies driving advancements, the opportunities for collaboration hold immense potential for shaping the future of space exploration and defense. #SpaceIndustry #DoD #CommercialSpacePartnerships #Innovation #SpaceExploration

There's still time to hand in your ideas for the #INNOspaceMasters innovation competition! The deadline has been extended until 2nd May - we are excited to find out more about all of your innovative solutions and ideas! Make sure to check out the six challenges via the website: https://lnkd.in/dweKZ_m #innovation #space #startups #competition #INNOspace

Congratulations to ARIANESPACE for today's successful launch of Ariane 6🚀 👏 Stephanie Songer and I wrote a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) commentary on how the United States and other countries could look to the original Ariane project framework as a potential model for future international space partnerships. Recognizing how procurement preferences and export control rules can be speed bumps to opportunities for international collaboration, we discuss how relentless political will and support will be needed to bring about more allied cooperation on big projects in space. https://lnkd.in/edaxmx5q

🚀 Potential Thales & Airbus Space Alliance: Monopoly Concerns? 🚀 A potential merger of space activities between #Airbus and #Thales could reshape Europe’s space sector—but raises competition concerns. #OHB’s CEO warns of a potential monopoly, fearing it may stifle competition, with companies in #Germany particularly impacted. With global competition intensifying and innovation demands rising, #Europe is balancing collaboration and competitive fairness. Read more on Financial Times 👉 https://lnkd.in/eMdZ8avu #SpaceIndustry #EuropeanSpace #Satellite #EU #EuropeanUnion

The success of #Ariane relied on a groundbreaking partnership between over ten countries to build something that European leaders knew no one country in Europe could do alone. What lessons from Ariane can be applied to future space collaboration? Clayton Swope discusses here: https://lnkd.in/etFtTtsW #Defense #InternationalSecurity #NationalSecurity #Space #Europe #Aerospace

"As the United States and China compete for #space dominance, the Pentagon is tapping the private sector to maintain its edge. Enter SpaceWERX a relatively unknown entity within the U.S. Space Force that is serving as the military’s bridge to cutting-edge commercial #spacetechnology. Based in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX is making bets on #startups and small #businesses to the tune of about $460 million a year in research and development contracts." More 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dTVptFTx