TOP 10 Space Companies: The AI Version
4th Jul 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly studying and covering more and more areas of our lives. It seems like it might be hampered only by a limited knowledge base. If there is information about something on the Internet, AI most likely knows about it, too.
Recently, several articles appeared where AI was asked to name the top 10 journalists. We were excited by this idea and decided to test how well AI understands the field of space.
As part of the experiment, we asked ChatGPT 3.5 Version and Gemini which private modern space companies they consider to be the best, why, and to make a TOP 10 space companies list and a list of TOP UK’s space companies. Also, for our experiment we took ChatGPT as the main AI tool because it has been around longer and compared it with Gemini in some requests.
And this is what we got.
Time frames behind the ratings
First, we asked ChatGPT if it knew any space companies. Of course, it did. Then, since we know that the AI’s knowledge base can be limited by time frames, we asked when the last time it updated its knowledge was.
“My knowledge about these companies is up-to-date as of 2023,” it answered.
Accordingly, the AI could not take into account the current progress of each of the companies. However, since we haven’t reached the middle of 2024 yet, and companies made significant progress through the end of 2023, let’s take a look anyway.
To compare, Gemini’s first release was on 21st March 2023, and the latest version was on 1st February 2024.
TOP 10 space companies according to ChatGPT

Then, we asked ChatGPT to create a list of top private space companies, excluding state-run organizations like NASA. Additionally, it explained its choice, though we didn’t ask to do this. If you have never used AI, you should know that it remembers previous requests and predicts what result we expect from it.
Therefore, the list was as follows:
“Several notable space companies are involved in various aspects of space exploration, satellite technology, and space tourism. Here are a few prominent ones:
- SpaceX:
- Known for innovative reusable rockets (Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy) and ambitious projects like Starship.
- High mission success rate and significant revenue from satellite launches, NASA contracts, and the Starlink satellite constellation.
- Blue Origin:
- Focus on reusable rocket technology with New Shepard for suborbital flights and New Glenn for orbital missions.
- Significant investment from founder Jeff Bezos and plans for space tourism and lunar exploration.
- Boeing:
- Major contributions to space exploration with the CST-100 Starliner capsule and involvement in the Space Launch System (SLS) program.
- Established aerospace company with long-term contracts and strong financial health.
- Lockheed Martin:
- Key player in space exploration with the Orion spacecraft, designed for deep space missions.
- Strong financial position and extensive experience in the aerospace and defense sectors.
- Virgin Galactic:
- Pioneering space tourism with suborbital flights on SpaceShipTwo.
- Strong brand presence and investment from founder Richard Branson, aiming to make space accessible to private individuals.
- Rocket Lab:
- Specializes in small satellite launches with the Electron rocket, offering competitive pricing.
- High launch success rate and innovative approach to space logistics and small payloads.
- Northrop Grumman:
- Contributions to space with the Cygnus spacecraft for ISS resupply missions and involvement in projects like the James Webb Space Telescope.
- Strong financial backing and extensive defense contracts.
- Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC):
- Development of the Dream Chaser spaceplane for cargo resupply missions to the ISS and other low Earth orbit missions.
- Focus on innovation, sustainability, and a strong presence in space systems.
- Arianespace:
- Leading launch service provider using the Ariane, Vega, and Soyuz rockets.
- Strong track record in commercial satellite launches and collaborations with the European Space Agency (ESA).
- OneWeb:
- Focus on building a global satellite internet constellation to provide broadband access worldwide.
- Significant investment and strategic partnerships with companies like Airbus.
Main criteria for evaluating space companies
It’s an interesting choice, isn’t it? After that, we became interested in the special features AI uses when choosing companies. Expectedly, it provided us with a detailed answer, explaining each of the features in detail.
“Evaluating space companies involves several key criteria that reflect their capabilities, performance, and potential for future growth and innovation. Here are the main criteria:
- Technological Innovation:
Development of new and advanced technologies.
Reusability and cost-efficiency of spacecraft and launch vehicles.
Unique capabilities (e.g., vertical landing, autonomous docking).
- Mission Success Rate:
Track record of successful launches and missions.
Reliability and safety of rockets and spacecraft.
Ability to meet mission objectives and timelines.
- Financial Health:
Revenue streams and profitability.
Funding and investments from private or public sources.
Cost management and operational efficiency.
- Market Position and Competitiveness:
Share of the launch and satellite markets.
Competitive edge over other companies in terms of technology and pricing.
Strategic partnerships and collaborations.
- Regulatory Compliance and Certifications:
Adherence to national and international space regulations.
Certifications from space agencies (e.g., NASA, ESA).
Compliance with safety and environmental standards.
- Range and Scope of Services:
Variety of services offered (e.g., satellite launch, human spaceflight, space tourism).
Capability to support different types of missions (commercial, governmental, scientific).
Global reach and ability to serve international clients.
- R&D and Innovation Pipeline:
Investment in research and development.
Future projects and plans (e.g., interplanetary missions, space habitats).
Innovation culture within the company.
- Customer and Client Satisfaction:
Feedback and satisfaction of customers and clients.
Long-term contracts and repeat business.
Reputation and trustworthiness in the industry.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
Efforts to minimize environmental impact (e.g., debris mitigation, green propulsion).
Sustainability initiatives and long-term impact on the space environment.
Contribution to space sustainability and international guidelines.
- Leadership and Workforce:
Expertise and vision of the leadership team.
Skill and experience of the workforce.
Ability to attract and retain top talent in the aerospace industry.
Evaluating space companies based on these criteria provides a comprehensive view of their strengths, weaknesses, and potential for contributing to the future of space exploration and commercialization.”
TOP UK space companies, according to ChatGPT

Finally, we asked ChatGPT which UK space companies it considers the best based on these criteria. Here is what it answered:
“Here’s a list of top space companies in the UK, evaluated based on the provided criteria:
- Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). Pioneers in small satellite technology, providing innovative satellite solutions for Earth observation, communications, and scientific missions.
- OneWeb. Developing a global satellite internet constellation aimed at providing worldwide broadband access, especially in remote and underserved areas.
- Reaction Engines. Innovators of the SABRE engine, a revolutionary air-breathing rocket engine that promises to transform space access and high-speed flight.
- Inmarsat. Leading provider of global mobile satellite communication services, catering to maritime, aviation, and governmental sectors with advanced satellite technology.
- Skyrora. Emerging space launch company focusing on cost-effective and environmentally friendly small satellite launch vehicles using innovative technologies like 3D printing and green propellants.
These companies represent a cross-section of the UK’s dynamic and innovative space industry, each excelling in various aspects of the provided criteria.”
Quite deep knowledge and a comprehensive approach to the issue. Well done, ChatGPT!
TOP UK space companies according to Gemini
Gemini (formerly Bard) is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Google. One thing that makes it different from ChatGPT is that it gives answers with illustrations.

For comparison, here is Gemini’s list of TOP UK space companies. In some points, its opinion coincided with ChatGPT, although the order is slightly different:
“The UK has a thriving space industry with a number of prominent companies making a global impact. Here are some of the top British space companies:
- Airbus Defence and Space: While Airbus is a European multinational, it has a significant presence in the UK, particularly at its Portsmouth site. They design and manufacture roughly 25% of the world’s telecommunication satellites, ensuring global connectivity.
- Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL): A pioneer in small satellites, SSTL designs, builds, and operates a large fleet of satellites for various purposes including Earth observation, science missions, and telecommunications. They are known for their innovative and cost-effective approach.
- Reaction Engines: This company focuses on developing advanced propulsion technologies, particularly their revolutionary SABRE (Synergistic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine) engine designed for single-stage-to-orbit spaceflight.
- Goonhilly Earth Station: A historic telecommunications facility, Goonhilly is now a major space communication hub, providing vital links between satellites and Earth for a range of missions.
- Inmarsat: A world leader in global mobile satellite communications, Inmarsat provides reliable voice and data communication services to a variety of users, including maritime, aviation, and government sectors.
This is just a sampling of the many innovative British space companies that are helping to shape the future of space exploration and applications,” Gemini commented.
Notably, this experiment is for entertainment purposes only, and the TOP 10 space companies by AI may not reflect the actual picture. Also, it doesn’t reflect Orbital Today’s vision. All original wording has been preserved.
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