Issue The next generation of US space startups is concentrated in one company's alumni network

Summary

Much of the next generation of American space startups has been founded by former SpaceX employees. CB Insights calls this group the SpaceX mafia and tracks more than 175 companies linked to it. The startups it highlights cover in-space transportation, satellite manufacturing, space-based manufacturing, reusable rockets and satellite navigation. Their founders held roles at SpaceX such as propulsion chief technology officer, senior propulsion engineer, spacecraft operator and senior vice president for product and launch. Several of these young firms already have high health scores. The pattern means one company's talent pipeline has become the seedbed of the wider US space sector.