Thirty-five years ago today, Space News published its first issue, defying naysayers who claimed that the space industry in 1989 was too small to justify a dedicated weekly publication. With a small but passionate staff, much like today's, we set out to cover the business and politics of space at a time when commercialization was still in its infancy.
Three and a half decades later, we find ourselves reporting on an industry that has grown and flourished beyond anything we could have imagined. From the earliest government-dominated space programs to today’s booming commercial enterprises, the landscape has changed dramatically, but our mission remains the same: to provide clear, insightful and authoritative coverage of the business, politics and technology that drive the space industry.
How we covered it
From the beginning, Space News It was designed to be different. While other publications focused on technical achievements or celebrated moments of wonder in space exploration, we focused on the business and politics that drive the industry. Space professionals didn’t need another outlet to marvel at rocket launches and scientific discoveries — they needed information about the decisions, investments and policies shaping the future of space.
As we wrote in our first issue on September 18, 1989, “Our plan for Space News It is direct and simple. We aim to provide the latest space news every week. We want to be accurate, fair and balanced. We care about putting information in the right context. We know the whole story. We avoid quick and easy headlines.”
That approach is more important than ever.
For the past 35 years, we have remained committed to covering the evolution of the space industry with an eye toward what matters most to our readers. Whether reporting on government space budgets or commercial contracts, Space News It has consistently dug deeper to provide the context that decision-makers need. As we said at our founding, we do not aspire to be the voice of the industry or to promote the party line. “We believe we will succeed by being an independent source of news and information.”
From the early days of the commercial satellite sector to the advent of mega satellite constellations and low-cost launches, transforming the global economy to the international partnerships shaping space exploration, we have been there to follow and report on these developments.
Our small but agile team remains a strength, even as the space industry grows. With fewer than 15 people across editorial and business combined, we have consistently produced in-depth reporting and analysis that rivals much larger newsrooms. This agility allows us to respond quickly to breaking news while providing thoughtful, comprehensive coverage of the most important trends in space business and policy.
We don't just report on the launch of a satellite or the landing of a rover, we also cover the contracts, regulatory hurdles, geopolitical implications and commercial opportunities that arise from it. From the militarization of space to the impact of AI on satellite operations, Space News It's there to ask important questions and provide answers that help our readers navigate the complexities of this industry.
Adapting to change: SpaceNews in the digital age
Just as the space industry has transformed over the past 35 years, so has Space NewsWe started as a print publication offering in-depth articles on the latest developments in space. Today, we operate as a digital multimedia outlet providing around-the-clock coverage to readers around the world. Our website has evolved into a hub for breaking news, analysis and expert commentary on the issues shaping the future of space.
With the rise of podcasts and video content, we’ve found new ways to engage with readers. Long-form interviews, event coverage and real-time analysis have become essential to covering the space. Our transition to digital has allowed us to reach a broader audience and tell more nuanced stories, but our commitment to rigorous, trustworthy reporting remains the same. Space News continues to evolve to meet the needs of our audience in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Looking ahead: the next 35 yearss
As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we look forward to the next chapter in space exploration and commerce. The space industry is more dynamic than ever, with private companies pushing the boundaries of what is possible and governments reinvesting in ambitious exploration projects. From the commercialization of low-Earth orbit to the return of human missions to the Moon, the next chapter in space exploration promises to be as exciting as the past 35 years.
Looking ahead, new technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation will revolutionize satellite operations and space exploration, while space sustainability becomes an increasing priority as we address the challenge of orbital debris and long-term space operations. These emerging trends will shape the future of the industry and Space News It is prepared to cover any development.
But no matter how the industry evolves, Space News remains committed to delivering the stories that matter most – stories that provide insight, context and clarity in a rapidly changing world.
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue providing our readers with the news they rely on to understand the past, present and future of the space industry.
Stay tuned for more reflections on the past, celebrations of the present, and visions of the future as we commemorate 35 years of Space News in the coming weeks and months.
Related – Press release: SpaceNews celebrates its 35th anniversary as a global media brand
