The money, missions, and power shaping space. Space Stakes is a daily briefing on the business of the new space race — launches, contracts, constellations, and the capital behind them. Every episode cuts through the industry's hype: signed contracts vs. paper constellations, funded orders vs. "up to" ceilings, launch dates vs. track records. Who pays, who profits, and who actually delivers — told so both aerospace insiders and curious newcomers finish feeling it was made for them. Space Stakes is an AI-voiced podcast, created and built by a real human, Brian Lampert. Nothing on this show is financial advice. Also from Brian Lamp...
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Nov 13, 2026 · 11:58
SpaceX is targeting a first Starship mission that attempts to catch both stages, with the ship's long coast and conditional return central to the challenge. We also cover…
Nov 12, 2026 · 14:43
Rocket Lab has booked eight more Neutron launches at a higher base price before the rocket's first flight, which is now targeted for 2027. We also cover a SpaceX launch, Pentagon…
Nov 11, 2026 · 10:00
SpaceX spectrum application — proven news breaker @SawyerMerritt on X SINGULUS Technologies supply contract with SpaceX — SINGULUS Technologies France awards IRIS satellite…
Nov 10, 2026 · 11:49
Rocket Lab conditional loan commitment — U.S. Department of War SpaceX Starbase proposal — Stocktwits reporting MAX POWER aerospace expo — NASA UK government stake in SaxaVord —…
Nov 9, 2026 · 11:42
SpaceX’s reported revenue mix is shifting toward AI computing, with Anthropic named as its biggest customer and an exit provision from early 2027. We also cover RFA’s revised…
Nov 8, 2026 · 12:12
NASA's Moon Base program combines a $10 billion CLPS 2 ceiling with specific rover and transport awards, while the episode separates future competition from contracted work. We…
Nov 7, 2026 · 16:47
This Weekend Bonus examines a Space Force data-network integration award and reported satellite compatibility problems, alongside Redwire's VLEO test contract, ESA's…
Nov 6, 2026 · 12:56
CesiumAstro has closed a $730 million Series D and announced a planned 737-satellite constellation, while today’s other stories cover Blue Origin engine targets, a Starship…
Nov 5, 2026 · 12:06
NASA’s Ka-band relay awards aim to develop commercial service compatible with existing spacecraft, but the work begins with concepts and later phases depend on options. The…
Nov 4, 2026 · 11:33
Today’s episode looks at the difference between declaring American space ambitions and funding the missions behind them. We also cover a supplier conflict raised by Globalstar,…
Nov 3, 2026 · 9:49
China has disclosed a two-launch architecture for a crewed lunar landing before 2030, with a sequence of uncrewed tests ahead. We also cover NASA’s ESCAPADE flybys, SES airline…
Nov 2, 2026 · 11:59
Northwood Space raised $375M at a $2B valuation as it expands its shared ground-station network, with its existing Space Force work and a reported antenna test offering concrete…
Nov 1, 2026 · 11:16
NASA's planned Artemis III sequence puts Blue Origin's lander checkout before the SLS and Orion crew launch, while NASA says an orbital rehearsal is needed even if the landers…
Oct 31, 2026 · 12:20
This Weekend Bonus examines a launch-supply estimate, U.S. civil-space allocations and European bets on connectivity and orbital capability. It also looks at NASA’s request for…
Oct 30, 2026 · 13:45
SpaceX’s reported plans raise questions about launch access, while Telesat’s Lightspeed schedule and debt position put service delivery and financing in focus. The episode also…
Oct 29, 2026 · 14:02
ULA plans a November 13 return to flight for Vulcan, carrying Amazon Leo satellites as the company works to restore customer confidence after booster-nozzle failures. The episode…
Oct 28, 2026 · 12:12
Amazon Secures FCC Approval for Globalstar Acquisition — Via Satellite China has tripled its satellite fleet since 2018 as expansion continues: DIA — Breaking Defense Ukrainian…
Oct 27, 2026 · 11:33
A conditional $150 million commitment from the Department of War would support Stoke Space’s second launchpad at Cape Canaveral, but the financing still has requirements before…
Oct 27, 2026 · 11:17
Ukraine disputes Elon Musk’s claim that its military violated Starlink terms, raising questions about control of commercial communications during war. The episode also covers…
Oct 25, 2026 · 11:32
NASA’s revised Artemis sequence makes Artemis III an orbital docking rehearsal and targets a crewed landing for Artemis IV in 2028. We also cover Rocket Lab’s Neutron delay,…
Oct 24, 2026 · 6:10
This week’s recap follows a Phobos sample-return launch, risky satellite maneuvers and Starship ambitions. Japan launching bold sample-return mission to Mars moon Phobos today:…
Oct 23, 2026 · 9:44
Electron launches HawkEye 360 satellites — Yahoo Finance Starship lunar refueling estimate — Ars Technica Xona Series D — Payload ICEYE and Nokia explore Ukraine satellite…
Oct 22, 2026 · 7:53
SpaceX is targeting a November Starship test flight with an attempt to catch both stages, while its weekly-launch ambition depends on flight results and FAA licensing. The…
Oct 21, 2026 · 10:25
SpaceX posted ~$14.6B in Q3 revenue with AI overtaking Starlink, Musk discussed a SpaceX-Tesla merger, plus Telesat and Eutelsat news. SpaceX’s AI Revenue Leads Q3 Earnings —…
Oct 20, 2026 · 13:20
A Russian satellite’s maneuvers near ICEYE-X36 raise questions about commercial spacecraft and security in orbit. We also cover direct-to-device spectrum decisions, Amazon’s…
Oct 19, 2026 · 13:31
Japan's MMX mission is scheduled to launch toward Phobos, where it aims to collect material and return it to Earth in 2031. The episode also covers a reported close approach…
Oct 18, 2026 · 10:36
Ukraine's Starlink slowdown prompts competing claims from Zelenskyy and Rubio, while the cause remains unresolved. Also: a planned Starfall demonstration, JAXA's MMX launch date,…
Oct 17, 2026 · 13:07
This weekly recap follows the week's debate over control of military satellite communications, alongside tests and targets for launch and connectivity systems. It also looks at a…
Oct 16, 2026 · 8:26
Carbon Fibre Troubles Force Rocket Lab to Delay Neutron Debut — NASASpaceFlight.com Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 15, 2026 — criticalthreats.org SpaceX launches…
Oct 15, 2026 · 12:28
Ukraine’s reliance on satellite connectivity turns a reported Starlink speed restriction into a question of control, authority and operational alternatives. The episode also…
Oct 14, 2026 · 14:48
SpaceX is seeking permission for a major increase in Starship operations at Starbase, while a recovered ship offers data about flown hardware. The episode also examines reported…
Oct 13, 2026 · 7:08
Norway Details Funding Allocation for Second Andøya Launch Pad — European Spaceflight York Space Systems to Support Interoperability Demonstration for Space Data Network — Via…
Oct 12, 2026 · 9:28
Blue Origin is rebuilding Launch Complex 36 after New Glenn's May pad explosion and is targeting a December return-to-flight mission. The episode also covers a warning about…
Oct 11, 2026 · 10:14
Starlink is pitching affordability and consumer choice in India as it awaits final security clearance, while a U.S. military satellite launch and an ISS crew handover provide two…
Oct 10, 2026 · 11:43
This week's recap follows SpaceX's push into direct-to-device connectivity, NASA's proposed workforce shift, Kratos's space-intelligence contracts, Amazon's Leo manufacturing…
Oct 9, 2026 · 11:12
SpaceX Moves to Acquire Nationwide Low-Band Spectrum for Starlink Mobile — Via Satellite SpaceX calls for better coordination in orbit after near-misses with Starlink — Ars…
Oct 8, 2026 · 7:09
000-satellite direct-to-device system. FCC Grants SpaceX Approval for 15,000 Direct-to-Device Satellites in MSS Spectrum — Via Satellite Chapters 00:00 Today's headlines 00:20…
Oct 7, 2026 · 12:09
NASA's planned move of 7,500 contractor positions into civil service raises questions about expertise, accountability and taxpayer value. The episode also covers an EU…
Oct 6, 2026 · 9:48
Kratos announced multiple contracts worth more than $100 million combined for space-intelligence and cyber prototype work, while the public details leave key questions about the…
Oct 5, 2026 · 5:49
SpaceX (SPCX) Faces FAA Review On 76 Cape Canaveral Starship Launches — finance.yahoo.com ESA, CAS release first images from SMILE; officially begin science operations —…
Oct 4, 2026 · 9:11
U.S. intelligence selects Falcon Heavy for a classified mission for the first time — universemagazine.com ESA to pursue crew transport and space stations as European launchers…
Oct 3, 2026 · 6:40
A week of launches and crew operations sat alongside changes in military-space leadership and satellite connectivity and Europe's small-launch plans. This recap separates…
Oct 2, 2026 · 10:18
Iceye Moves into Satcom With Nokia Partnership — Via Satellite @elonmusk on X Norwegian Government Proposes Paying for Second Andøya Launch Pad — European Spaceflight Chapters…
Oct 1, 2026 · 10:39
The FCC voted to open satellite spectrum and change its environmental-review approach for certain space activities; the practical effects depend on final rules. Varda, Crew-13,…
Sep 30, 2026 · 11:10
NASA faces a consequential crew-transport question if SpaceX follows through on reported plans to retire Crew Dragon after International Space Station support. The episode also…
Sep 29, 2026 · 14:05
NASA and Boeing outlined an uncrewed Starliner test and planned steps toward a crewed return. The episode also covers Meridian Space’s reported separation from SpinLaunch, new…
Sep 26, 2026 · 8:39
We revisit NASA's Artemis update promise, PRIMA's move into Phase B, and a reported SpaceX tracking-data arrangement. EXCLUSIVE: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD…
Sep 25, 2026 · 12:32
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman promised an early-October Artemis timing update as he described the stakes of the lunar competition. The episode also covers Hubble Network's…
Sep 24, 2026 · 13:39
A reported exchange between SpaceX and the Space Force raises questions about collision safety, classified tracking data and competition in commercial space surveillance. We also…
Sep 23, 2026 · 12:48
Italy commits over $5B to a lunar habitat for two Moon landings under NASA's good-deals doctrine, plus FCC environmental review vote, Planet's Berlin factory, HEO's $25M raise,…
Sep 22, 2026 · 10:54
Viasat says its ViaSat-3 trio is fully operational, plus Starfall bookings on Starship, and five launches this week. Final ViaSat-3 Satellite Enters Service, Completing…
Sep 21, 2026 · 6:42
Ariane 6 faces year-end delays over a reported turbopump issue and Canada-France pitch shared space infrastructure. ESA Acknowledges Ariane 6 Delays Following Reports of…
Sep 19, 2026 · 13:37
This week's recap: NASA's $5.92 billion Commercial Crew total after a new SpaceX award, a slipping Starship launch date, Boeing's Starliner comeback, the Pentagon's first public…
Sep 18, 2026 · 1:40
A bonus introduction from Space Stakes to Quickly Quantum, another daily show created by Brian Lampert. This cross-promotion features a short recommendation in this show’s voice,…
Sep 18, 2026 · 14:38
NASA is reportedly preparing to order more Starliner missions and help fix Boeing's capsule despite a 'Type A' mishap finding — because SpaceX has signaled Crew Dragon's…
Sep 17, 2026 · 13:38
Launch rivals at World Space Business Week say the price-per-kilo era is ending as Falcon 9 winds down and Starship ramps up — plus a wave of European satellite funding, a new…
Sep 16, 2026 · 13:26
Starship's fourteenth flight is the first real shot at orbit, and the FAA's reentry review is the actual gate. Plus: Space Force budget risk, LeoLabs sells radar directly to…
Sep 15, 2026 · 13:17
The Air Force secretary confirms, for the first time on record, that the U.S. has weapons deployed in orbit — with almost no specifics attached. Plus: a Vega C mission delivers…
Sep 14, 2026 · 10:59
SpaceX launches 3 telecom satellites to orbit on 700th Falcon mission of all time — Space.com Sophia Space, SLI Set Terms for $300M Satellite Leasing Deal — Payload NOAA Expands…
Sep 13, 2026 · 15:19
NOAA locks in a decade-long, $8 billion-ceiling commercial weather-data buy across fourteen companies — while KBR walks away with the round's biggest single award, up to $1.1…
Sep 12, 2026 · 11:36
This week's recap: Europe reaches orbit and signs billion-euro contracts across the launch and cargo markets, while Washington works through a Mars contract protest, a nuclear…
Sep 11, 2026 · 1:27
A bonus introduction from Space Stakes to Concrete Compute, another daily show created by Brian Lampert. This cross-promotion features a short recommendation in this show’s…
Sep 11, 2026 · 13:19
ESA hands its largest-ever commercial cargo contract to a five-year-old startup, Europe builds its own Venus radar after NASA gets shaky, Eutelsat orders a wave of new satellites…
Sep 10, 2026 · 8:57
NASA Adds Relativity Space's Terran R to Launch Services Contract — NASA Amazon Leo Orders Six More Ariane 64 Launches From Arianespace — SpaceWatch.GLOBAL UK to Leave Launch to…
Sep 9, 2026 · 14:31
Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket finally reaches orbit from Norway, The Exploration Company banks Europe's biggest-ever Series C at $450 million, Eutelsat signs on for satellite…
Sep 8, 2026 · 1:16
Space Stakes: The Business of the New Space Race. Follow the rockets. Follow the money. A short introduction to the show. New episode every day. Space Stakes is an AI-voiced…
Sep 8, 2026 · 11:46
Two very different bets against SpaceX's reusable-launch dominance landed the same day: Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket reached orbit on its second flight, the first commercial…
Sep 7, 2026 · 12:13
Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket reached orbit from Norway, becoming the first fully commercial European launch to make it to space — plus Cape Canaveral pad progress from Stoke…
Sep 6, 2026 · 10:09
Planet Labs posts a record quarter fueled by a defense and intelligence surge, but the four-billion-dollar pipeline behind it is still mostly a promise. Plus: NASA adds a new…
Sep 5, 2026 · 12:34
The weekly recap: Roman's flagship launch, Blue Origin's Mars comms win, Europe's billion-euro IRIS2 order, Orion's heat shield vindication, Isar Aerospace's latest scrub,…
Sep 4, 2026 · 11:38
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman publicly clashes with former commercial-space chief Phil McAlister over how far NASA should push commercialization as Falcon 9's retirement…
Sep 3, 2026 · 11:22
NASA hands Blue Origin a $700 million fixed-price contract to build the Mars Telecommunications Network — but the rocket that will presumably launch it, New Glenn, exploded on…
Sep 2, 2026 · 12:02
PLD Space piles another €108 million onto its already-growing Series C round as it races toward Miura 5's first flight, plus a new Chinese liquid-fueled rocket, a German launch…
Sep 1, 2026 · 11:32
Today's episode is an Orbit 101 on the Federal Aviation Administration's role as the safety gatekeeper for commercial launch and reentry — what its licensing power actually…
Aug 31, 2026 · 11:05
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched successfully Sunday and drew an unusual phone-in from President Trump, SLS hardware is now moving through production on four…
Aug 30, 2026 · 10:48
Roman Space Telescope enters its launch countdown after surviving a White House push to cancel it, ESA reveals the actual euro figures behind its European Launcher Challenge…
Aug 29, 2026 · 12:29
The weekly recap: NASA's Roman telescope clears its last review for a Sunday launch, LandSpace's Zhuque-3 lands a booster that then topples, the White House sets a bold new…
Aug 28, 2026 · 12:35
The Space Force hands SpaceX a fleet-wide, sole-source Starshield contract for military aircraft — with the award value redacted. Plus: ESA's European Launcher Challenge money…
Aug 27, 2026 · 10:38
ESA signs its first European Launcher Challenge contracts today, putting real money behind Europe's bid to build launch independence from SpaceX and Ariane — Isar Aerospace,…
Aug 26, 2026 · 14:51
SpaceX and Louisiana officials unveiled a planned $100 billion, ten-pad 'Starbase Louisiana' spaceport in Vermilion Parish — a huge bet on a Starship that still hasn't flown an…
Aug 25, 2026 · 14:36
Nvidia spent this week backing two rival paths to orbital AI compute — SpaceX's in-house Starmind satellite and independent startup Starcloud's fresh funding round — while nobody…
Aug 24, 2026 · 15:20
China scrubbed the Chang'e-7 lunar south pole mission hours before launch, reopening a genuinely uncertain race with Blue Origin and Astrobotic for the Moon's ice deposits. Plus:…
Aug 22, 2026 · 16:31
This week's recap: a launch market so hot it's straining the operators depending on it, the White House's answer with a thousand-launches-a-year target, a record $71 billion…
Aug 21, 2026 · 17:51
The White House signed off on a new National Space Transportation Policy setting a goal of a thousand launches and reentries a year by 2030 — heavy on infrastructure directives,…
Aug 20, 2026 · 16:03
The Space Force wants $71 billion for FY2027, more than double its current budget — but the number splits into a likely $59.2 billion in appropriations and a shaky $12.1 billion…
Aug 19, 2026 · 15:52
LandSpace lands the Zhuque-3 booster on its second flight, becoming the third organization on Earth to stick a leg landing — the show asks whether recovery is turning into reuse.…
Aug 18, 2026 · 16:39
Launch scarcity stops being a talking point and starts showing up in corporate strategy: AST SpaceMobile tells investors it may need to buy or partner its way into launch…
Aug 17, 2026 · 15:02
SpaceX has effectively closed its Falcon 9 rideshare book past 2028, and satellite operators from Telesat to Amazon are scrambling for alternatives — the main story asks who…
Aug 16, 2026 · 12:38
The Space Force pays five companies — Amazon Leo, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab, and York Space — sixty million dollars to prove they can plug into the $2.29…
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Your podcast? Get the Podli badge for your site
