Space-Tech Pioneers

SPACEWERX Awards $1.7M Contracts to Cutting-Edge Space Innovators, Elevating U.S. Space Force Capabilities
SPACEWERX Awards $1.7M Contracts to Cutting-Edge Space Innovators, Elevating U.S. Space Force Capabilities
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SPACEWERX Awards $1.7M Contracts to Cutting-Edge Space Innovators, Elevating U.S. Space Force Capabilities

Fueling the Future: SPACEWERX Awards $1.7M Contracts to Cutting-Edge Space Innovators, Elevating U.S. Space Force Capabilities…

SPACEWERX, the innovation engine for the U.S. Space Force and a key player in AFWERX, backed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, recently handed out contracts worth up to $1.7 million each to 18 companies. This includes three promising startups nestled in the dynamic Seattle area. Acting as a venture fund, SPACEWERX seamlessly integrates commercial innovation with the specific needs of the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Space Force, relying on cutting-edge space technology for their missions.

Among the notable awardees in Washington state are Gravitics in Marysville, working on the future of space station modules; Portal Space Systems in Bothell, focusing on systems for in-space mobility and orbital debris removal; and Starfish Space in Tukwila, developing spacecraft and software for on-orbit satellite servicing.

These substantial contracts were awarded through the 2023 SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space Challenge, a collaborative effort with Space Safari. The challenge aims to support groundbreaking concepts that enhance the Space Force’s agility and adaptability to on-orbit challenges by 2026.

Following an August solicitation that reeled in a whopping 302 proposals, the selected companies are now on the fast track to Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contracts, each offering up to $1.7 million over a 15-month performance period.

In addition to the mentioned companies, 15 others have also secured SpaceWERX awards, marking a significant stride in advancing the capabilities and responsiveness of the U.S. Space Force. It’s not just about business; it’s about injecting a serious boost into space operations.

  1. Agile Space Industries
    • Year Founded: 2019
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 57
    • Latest Deal Type: Seed
    • Latest Deal Amount: $6M
    • Investors: 11
    • Description: Develops in-space manufacturing technology for spacecraft components.
  2. Apex Technology
    • Year Founded: 2017
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 84
    • Latest Deal Type: Series A
    • Latest Deal Amount: $15M
    • Investors: 9
    • Description: Offers advanced propulsion systems for small satellites.
  3. Argo Space Corp.
    • Year Founded: 2018
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 63
    • Latest Deal Type: Series B
    • Latest Deal Amount: $25M
    • Investors: 13
    • Description: Specializes in satellite communication systems.
  4. Circle Optics
    • Year Founded: 2018
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 45
    • Latest Deal Type: Early Stage VC
    • Latest Deal Amount: $10M
    • Investors: 8
    • Description: Develops imaging systems for space applications.
  5. Impulse Space
    • Year Founded: 2019
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 72
    • Latest Deal Type: Series A
    • Latest Deal Amount: $20M
    • Investors: 10
    • Description: Focuses on electric propulsion systems for satellites.
  6. K2 Space Corp.
    • Year Founded: 2022
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 23
    • Latest Deal Type: Early Stage VC
    • Latest Deal Amount: $7.4M
    • Investors: 13
    • Description: Specializes in satellite buses for spacecraft.
  7. MapLarge
    • Year Founded: 2008
    • Status: Private
    • Latest Deal Type: Debt – PPP
    • Financing Rounds: 4
    • Description: Provides a geospatial and graph visualization platform.
  8. PickNik
    • Year Founded: 2015
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 50
    • Latest Deal Type: Later Stage VC
    • Latest Deal Amount: $2M
    • Investors: 4
    • Description: Accelerates the development of complex manipulation projects in robotics.
  9. Ten One Aerospace
    • Description: Provides spacecraft GNC/ACS subsystem design tools and technology for FSW development.
  10. True Anomaly
    • Year Founded: 2022
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 106
    • Latest Deal Type: Series B
    • Latest Deal Amount: $100M
    • Investors: 15
    • Description: Focuses on space security and commercial space mission solutions.
  11. Turion Space Corp.
    • Year Founded: 2020
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 41
    • Latest Deal Type: Series A (Upcoming)
    • Investors: 42
    • Description: Develops spacecraft for monitoring and tracking space objects.
  12. Varda Space Industries
    • Year Founded: 2020
    • Status: Private
    • Employees: 92
    • Latest Deal Type: Early Stage VC
    • Latest Deal Amount: $30M
    • Investors: 35
    • Description: Manufactures spacecraft infrastructure with a focus on sustainable resource extraction in space.
  13. Xtenti
    • Year Founded: 2016
    • Status: Private
    • Description: Develops space technology systems for various industries.


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