Space. The final frontier. Yeah, we’ve heard that opening line from Star Trek as well. But the world of aerospace business changed quite rapidly over the years. Now everyone’s building rockets, satellites, and all sorts of things to launch into the reaches of space. With that, we’re getting a lot more aerospace startups on the market, offering so many services to those who need it.
However, in an overcrowded market, who can you possibly recommend? So many have different services on hand, and it can be daunting trying to find one that fits your business needs. Like, how much of an effective space launch do you need? And should you really go with the pro that launches toy rockets with his kids on the weekend? The answer may not be as clear-cut as you think.
With that, here’s a list of 10 aerospace startups to pay attention to in 2022. They’re really going places, and with 2023 around the corner, they could fly to infinity and beyond. (Okay, that was Toy Story, but you get the idea.)
SpaceX
With a name like SpaceX, you can understand reliability. Ever since it came together twenty years ago, SpaceX has defined space travel amongst the stars. Not only that, but it also launched the first recycled rocket into space, providing a little protection for the Earth!
BlackSky Global
Still fresh and just shy of its ten-year anniversary, BlackSky Global offers a number of services with geospatial intelligence. Want to learn something about the analytics of space before you consider entering it? Go with these guys and you’ll understand a lot more about the universe.
Relativity Space
Started in 2015, Relativity Space is an awesome company that puts together rockets through 3D-printed components. As a result, they produce effective space flight tools for a fraction of the price, but hardly take the cheap route about it. They’re going places into the next year.
Voyager Space Holdings
While it sounds like Voyager Space Holdings is some kind of bank, its business goes much deeper than that. They put together the technology required for space travel so that people have an understanding of what makes it tick. What’s more, the company actually runs its own marketplace, filled with IPs related to all things aerospace. That makes them reliable and worthwhile.
Accion Systems
Next up is the Boston-based Accion Systems, which first got its start back in 2014, At a time when propulsion systems became heavy in demand, this company stepped up to create more. Utilizing ion/electric propulsion systems to bring them to life, they help move space vehicles along, as well as with the operations of satellites. You could say asking this company to help reach the stars is a noteworthy plan of action.
Iris Automation
Drones going into space sounds like a good – and safe – idea. But it also helps to have a system in place that gets them out of trouble, in case they run into a crater or another example. That’s where Iris Automation proves worthy, as it develops collision-avoidance systems to keep drones out of harm’s way. It does this using special detection systems to read easier line of sight – and that makes it clear to see that Iris is a top-quality choice.
Firefly Aerospace
Sadly, Firefly Aerospace has nothing to do with the hit sci-fi series of the same name that aired years ago. But they know how to get around since they specialize in space launch vehicles that are capable of carrying so much. As a result, research is available much faster. It’s no wonder NASA paid them nearly $94 million to do business with them. You should as well.
AirMap
Now, if you’re going into the deep reaches of space, it would help to have some guidance, right? And you don’t necessarily have a Stargate lying around to tell you where to go. Enter AirMap, a Santa Monica-based team that works with a specialized traffic management system. But this one’s unmanned, reading for any trouble ahead for drones and droids. Definitely call on them for your next space trip.
Universal Hydrogen
So what if you need a startup that’s actually Earth-friendly as well? Obviously, 3D-printed components work well, but Universal Hydrogen goes the extra mile. Since 2020, it has put together an awesome zero-emissions commercial flight system, which in turn uses hydrogen as a clean – and affordable – fuel source. Now that’s traveling with assurance!
Kairos Aerospace
Last but definitely not least of our aerospace startups, we have the Mountain View-based Kairos Aerospace. This company works with data visualization systems to help provide crucial information during travel. In addition, it also keeps a close eye on methane emissions, so that fuel isn’t wasted too heavily. It’s been effective since 2014 and should continue to fly high for years to come.
