The US Air Force (USAF) has reportedly shown interest in investing in space start-ups to gain a foothold in the small launch industry during a meeting of top military officials with Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson.

At the meeting held at the Pentagon last month, USAF acquisition head Dr Will Roper expressed interest in small launch, reported CNBC.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Roper was quoted as saying: “I am very excited about small launch. I think small launch is going to be a big deal.”

Small rockets are known for the relatively low cost per launch, estimated to be between $3m and $10m.

He added: “If you lose a satellite, put another one up at the time you need it.”

Roper also noted that the airforce should think like a venture capital firm to understand the requirements of private space companies.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
“The start-up launched three lightweight orbital rockets known as Electron to orbit last year, including a mission for Nasa in December.”

He added: “If we can understand what a company needs to get from being that entrant, at ten people with an idea and designs, to getting to that first product that they can go sell or pitch … we’ve got huge money to invest in this.”

Branson discussed the capabilities of his small rocket builder Virgin Orbit with top USAF leaders.

Established in 2017, Virgin Orbit plans to provide launch services for small satellites. The company’s LauncherOne rocket is in its testing phase and is planned to be launched from a modified Boeing 747 jet.

Another small launch company Rocket Lab has also caught the attention of Roper who said the company is ‘pushing small launch’.

The start-up launched three lightweight orbital rockets known as Electron to orbit last year, including a mission for Nasa in December.

This year, Rocket Lab aims to launch 16 missions, including a dedicated satellite for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) later this month.