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The article reports on the signing by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) of a deal wherein it selected a new Angara 1.2 rocket to lift a high-resolution radar satellite to low Earth orbit (LEO) in 2020. The terms of the deal which is the first commercial contract for Russia's next-generation light launcher, the design of the Angara 1.2, and the comment of KARI President Gwang-Rae Cho on the selection of the Angara 1.2 vehicle for the launch of Kompsat-6 Earth observation satellite.

The article reports developments in the aerospace industry as of late June 2016, particularly the growing popularity of high-altitude helium balloons for low Earth orbit (LEO) travel. Also cited are the Stratolite technology developed by commercial balloon maker World View Enterprises Inc., the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Flight Opportunities Program, and the test flight being conducted by Near Space Corp. to its small glider.

The article looks at the aerospace launch industry's commercial cargo routes. Topics include price pressures on launch-vehicle manufacturers, the possibility of an off-planet economy in low Earth orbit (LEO), and investments in the private human spaceflight industry by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).