This article provides a detailed analysis of 10 new reusable launch vehicle solutions for cost-effective space travel. The solutions range from hypersonic flight technology and 3D-printed space tugs to advanced vehicles capable of subsonic and supersonic travel. Each company develops new methods to enhance orbital logistics, optimize fuel efficiency, or increase payload capacities.
Continue reading to gain up-to-date and data-driven insights on:
- Profiles of 10 Best Reusable Launch Vehicle Solutions
- How to Scout New Reusable Launch Vehicle Solutions Easily
Click to download
Key Takeaways
Drawing insights from the Big Data & AI-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform that provides data on over 4.7+ million emerging companies globally, we explore the evolving landscape of the reusable launch vehicle industry. This sector is marked by key trends and a substantial workforce, shaping its future. This report was last revised 5 days ago. See a missing piece? Your input can help — contact us. Here are some key insights at a glance:
- Latest Reusable Launch Vehicle Trends: The latest reusable launch vehicle trends include vertical integration, advanced materials, autonomous landing and recovery, hybrid propulsion systems, and rapid reusability.
- Reusable Launch Vehicle Industry Statistics: The sector comprises 700+ organizations worldwide. Out of these, 150+ new reusable launch vehicle companies were founded in the last five years, with 2020 as the average founding year. On average, each of these companies employs about 33 people. Moreover, the average funding received by these 150+ new reusable launch vehicle companies per round in the same span is USD 9.4 million.
- 10 New Reusable Launch Vehicle Solutions to Watch:
- Hypersonix Launch Systems – Hypersonic Flight Technology
- Plasmos – 3D-printed Third Stage Space Tug
- FAST Aerospace – Subsonic and Supersonic Vehicles
- Advanced Rocket Technologies – Rocket Prototype
- Aerospace Propulsion Systems – Light Speed Thruster (LST) Engines
- ORBITX INDIA AEROSPACE – Reusable Two-Stage Rocket
- BlackStar Orbital Technologies – Satellite Bus Architecture
- Tehiru – Thermo-Electric Launch System
- Innovative Space Carrier – High-frequency Single-Stage Vehicle
- SpaceTaxi – Suborbital Launch Vehicles
Discover 10 out of 150+ Emerging Reusable Launch Vehicle Solutions
In this section, we highlight 10 reusable spacecraft solutions that provide sustainable and cost-effective space missions. These companies develop rocket prototypes, implement LST engines, and reusable two-stage rockets. Each company integrates engineering and technology to improve launch efficiency and expand the capabilities of space vehicles.
Note on Signal Strength
One of the unique metrics we feature for each company is Signal Strength, a proprietary data point generated by our Discovery Platform. It gauges the extent to which a company’s influence has permeated the global ecosystem of startups, scaleups, and emerging companies. This proprietary metric serves as a valuable guidepost for understanding a company’s standing in the broader market landscape.
1. Hypersonix Launch Systems
- Founding Year: 2019
- Employee Range: 11-50
- Location: Australia
- Signal Strength: Very Strong
- What they do: Hypersonix Launch Systems develops reusable launch vehicles without moving parts. The company’s scramjet engines include a reusable air-breathing system that uses green hydrogen fuel. As a result, it produces only water as a byproduct. The company’s vehicles improve performance, reliability, cost advantages, and lead times compared to traditional launch vehicles.
2. Plasmos
- Founding Year: 2021
- Employee Range: 11-50
- Location: USA
- Signal Strength: Medium Strong
- What they do: Plasmos’ develops SpaceTruck, a 3D-printed reusable third-stage space tug for last-mile payload delivery. The company’s proprietary reusable design and dual-mode propulsion system ensure cost-effective space operations. Moreover, the propulsion system combines chemical and electric propulsion to reach an altitude of up to 1400 km. SpaceTruck integrates into vehicles with a 5-inch standard evolved secondary payload adapter. This tug operates remotely or autonomously and assists in space exploration and tourism. It also moves satellites into their operational orbits while deorbiting or retrieving space debris.
3. FAST Aerospace
- Founding Year: 2024
- Employee Range: 11-50
- Location: Italy
- Signal Strength: Weak
- What they do: FAST Aerospace operates a series of reusable launch vehicles. For example, its HyperDart launches satellites and climbs to 25 km. It accelerates from Mach 0.9 to Mach 5.0 to deliver the payload into orbit. After payload delivery, the vehicle undergoes a deorbiting phase and begins a propulsive descent. This vehicle enables the delivery of payloads of up to 250 kg to the low-Earth orbit (LEO).
4. Advanced Rocket Technologies
- Founding Year: 2022
- Employee Range: 11-50
- Location: UK
- Signal Strength: Medium
- What they do: Advanced Rocket Technologies builds Horus 4, a phase 1 reusable prototype rocket. It features a guidance-navigation-control (GNC) system, a thrust vector control (TVC) system, and a closed control loop with four motors. The integration of these systems provides precision and reliability in space exploration missions. Additionally, the rocket enables the recovery and refurbishment of key components after each flight, reducing costs and enhancing sustainability.
5. Aerospace Propulsion Systems
- Founding Year: 2022
- Employee Range: 2-10
- Location: UK
- Signal Strength: Medium
- What they do: Aerospace Propulsion Systems develops silent and no-vibration propulsion LST engines. They function in and out of the atmosphere without liquid or solid rocket fuel or exhaust gasses. Moreover, these environmentally-friendly engines feature lightweight units and no wearing parts. This allows spacecraft manufacturers to build spaceships that are smaller, lighter, reusable, and cost-effective.
6. ORBITX INDIA AEROSPACE
- Founding Year: 2020
- Employee Range: 11-50
- Location: India
- Signal Strength: Very Strong
- What they do: ORBITX INDIA AEROSPACE provides ATAL YAAN, a reusable two-stage rocket for orbital missions. The rocket features a liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene propulsion system. It utilizes identical engines and structural architecture in both stages to enhance reliability. Moreover, ATAL YAAN incorporates an air-breathing system and air brake for efficient first-stage operations. This provides a quick turnaround and requires minimal launch infrastructure. Additionally, the orbital adjustment module features a restart capability that enables multi-orbit insertions.
7. BlackStar Orbital Technologies
- Founding Year: 2023
- Employee Range: 2-10
- Location: USA
- Signal Strength: Medium
- What they do: BlackStar Orbital Technologies builds a multi-role smallsat class spaceplane. It combines reusability and modularity to provide cost-effective and tailor-made solutions. The integrated satellite bus features a delta-V of 1400 m/s with 60 kg hardware and utilizes a high-power helicon (HPH) mono-propellant. Further, it facilitates communication through S-Band telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) and X-Band command and data handling (CD&H). The spaceplane also offers last-mile delivery back to Earth and supports refueling.
8. Tehiru
- Founding Year: 2018
- Employee Range: 11-50
- Location: USA
- Signal Strength: Medium Strong
- What they do: Tehiru builds an air-launched thermo-electric reusable launch system for smallsats. The system incorporates electric landing to reduce costs and pollution for orbital flights. It also reduces turnaround times. The launch system supports payloads up to 450 kg to SSOs between 600-800 km. Also, it supports constellation management and provides uniform satellite distribution with its equal-distance release system.
9. Innovative Space Carrier
- Founding Year: 2022
- Employee Range: 11-50
- Location: Japan
- Signal Strength: Very Strong
- What they do: Innovative Space Carrier develops a high-frequency, single-stage, reusable space transport vehicle. The vehicle’s mode 1 uses an air-admission system to integrate ambient air, while mode 2 employs an altitude-compensating nozzle to adapt to changing atmospheric conditions. After reaching the orbit, it delivers the payload and heads towards the spaceport for re-entry and landing. In this way, it transports people and goods to space, carrying out single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) operations.
10. SpaceTaxi
- Founding Year: 2022
- Employee Range: 2-10
- Location: India
- Signal Strength: Medium Strong
- What they do: SpaceTaxi makes sub-orbital reusable launch vehicles for safe and economical space tourism. These vehicles support businesses and organizations by transporting payloads into orbit efficiently. The company’s launch vehicles reduce costs and increase flight frequency. Its 2027 tour plans for a couple of minutes to the space beyond the Karman line that will let tourists take a glimpse at the curvature of the earth, feel microgravity, and witness the darkness of space.
Quick Tip to Find New Reusable Launch Vehicle Solutions
Utilizing a SaaS platform like the Discovery Platform for identifying new reusable launch vehicle solutions provides significant benefits compared to traditional scouting methods:
- Streamlined Efficiency: The Discovery Platform offers advanced tools that streamline the scouting process. It replaces your hours of conventional desk research, saving time and resources in identifying reusable launch vehicle innovations.
- Access to Real-time Insights: Gain a competitive edge with up-to-date information on the latest trends in the reusable launch vehicle industry. The platform keeps you informed with near real-time updates on emerging reusable launch vehicle companies/solutions and news, enabling you to make swift and informed decisions.
- Tailored Exploration: Customize your search to focus on specific niches within the reusable launch vehicle sector, such as 3D-printed third-stage space tug, subsonic and supersonic vehicles, or sub-orbital launch vehicles. The platform’s diverse filtering options allow you to target your scouting efforts precisely, ensuring that you find the most relevant and groundbreaking companies in the field.
Ready to Explore All New Reusable Launch Vehicle Solutions?
We’ve explored the dynamic landscape of the reusable launch vehicle industry, examining the latest trends and spotlighting exceptional companies driving innovation. To dive deeper, download our free SpaceTech Report or schedule a demo of the Discovery Platform for a customized exploration of these groundbreaking developments. Have expertise in startups or technology? Your input can enrich our content — consider collaborating with us!
