The increasing popularity of miniature satellites among government agencies, universities and commercial firms is prompting rocket builders to redouble their efforts to develop a variety of launch vehicles to address this market. In recent months, companies including Virgin Galactic Corp., Garvey Spacecraft Corp., Quantum Research International and Ventions LLC have announced progress in their efforts to develop and test small-satellite launchers and rocket engines. The firms are financing their initiatives with money from investors, customers and government organizations including NASA, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
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