Brief

Defense technology startup Anduril has secured $5 billion in Series H funding, reaching a $61 billion valuation. This significant increase, more than double its previous valuation, is attributed to a shift in U.S. government procurement speed. Anduril's AI command software, Lattice, is used in various defense programs, and the company's rapid, software-first development model aligns with new, faster contracting processes. AI

NASA is initiating a competitive bidding process to determine who will manage the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) after its contract with Caltech concludes in 2028. This move, unprecedented since JPL's founding in 1936, aims to explore potential benefits from alternative management approaches, including enhanced performance, innovation, and efficiency. The agency is seeking responses from interested parties, considering the growth of the space economy and potential for a competitive market, with the contract valued at an estimated $30 billion. AI

SpaceX is poised for a significant IPO, joining a growing number of public companies involved in the space economy. The sector is experiencing renewed interest due to the U.S. and China's space race, with companies focusing on rocket launches, satellite development, and space-based services. Established aerospace giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin are also key players, alongside newer ventures such as Rocket Lab, Virgin Galactic, and Firefly Aerospace, all contributing to the expanding commercialization of space. AI