This week’s Orbital Index takes a look at the future of space startups

A macro-trend gaining traction is startups formed on the assumption of Starship’s success, a world in which a whole new scale of in-space systems will be possible and cost-effective.

SpaceX is targeting a cost per kilogram of $50-$500 for Starship, representing a one- or two-order-of-magnitude reduction.

Other in-development reusable launch systems are targeting low costs as well (Terran-R, Neutron, and others).

The Whitehouse’s NASA budget request is $27.2B (up 7% from last year, pdf), including full funding for Artemis II and III and $949M for Martian sample return development.

Spain's national space agency is now official, with 700M in funding and a $45M fund for small launch startups.