Starburst Ventures

Loft Orbital Solutions Inc. is a company based in San Francisco, California, that provides comprehensive services for the deployment and operation of customer payloads in space. Established in 2017, Loft Orbital specializes in operating microsatellites and offers an end-to-end solution that includes satellite platform integration, launch booking, and operational management. The company simplifies the satellite deployment process by utilizing a standardized satellite bus and a suite of software tools, thereby reducing costs and accelerating the timeline to orbit. Additionally, Loft Orbital addresses financial and regulatory challenges by providing solutions for licensing, insurance, and financing, allowing customers to concentrate on their mission objectives rather than the technical complexities of satellite engineering.

Aerix Systems specializes in the manufacture of advanced drones. Their products are distinguished by their ability to navigate in any direction and orientation, pushing the boundaries of traditional flight capabilities. These drones are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and can achieve high speeds, making them suitable for diverse applications in civil, military, and naval sectors. They excel in complex environments like mountains or at sea, offering enhanced safety and the ability to perform both passive and active missions.

Atomic-6 is an advanced manufacturing startup established in 2018 and located in Atlanta, Georgia. The company focuses on the development and mass production of next-generation composite products, particularly carbon fiber materials, tailored for the aerospace, military, and logistics industries. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Atomic-6 provides engineering consultancy services, assisting organizations in the space and aerospace sectors to integrate advanced composite solutions into their operations. Through its innovative approach, Atomic-6 aims to enhance the efficiency and performance of critical applications within these high-demand industries.

Reflex Aerospace specializes in the design and manufacturing of customized satellite platforms. The company focuses on creating multi-mission capable satellites that support the development of various space projects. Reflex Aerospace provides comprehensive services, including manufacturing, assembly, and integration of satellites, ensuring competitive pricing. The satellites are engineered to deliver high accuracy and stability for both passive and active Earth observation instruments. They are equipped with robust power and performance features, facilitating uninterrupted transmission and effective power and temperature management systems. This enables clients to obtain fully functional satellite assets tailored to their specific requirements and customizations.

Sirius Space Services is an aerospace manufacturing company focused on developing sustainable and reusable launch vehicles specifically designed for small satellites. By providing affordable access to space, Sirius aims to offer small satellite operators launch services comparable to those available to larger satellite operators. The company's innovative approach seeks to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of satellite launches, positioning it as a key player in the evolving aerospace industry.

Outpost Technologies is focused on advancing sustainable space exploration by developing reusable satellite technologies. The company aims to transform the space industry by providing efficient services for launching and returning payloads to Earth. By emphasizing reusable systems, Outpost seeks to reduce the costs and time associated with space missions, thereby fostering a more sustainable and iterative space economy. Their offerings include Earth return capabilities for satellites and support for orbital payload missions, catering to the needs of clients in the aviation and aerospace sectors. An inquiry form on their website facilitates customer engagement and service requests.

Canopy Aerospace is a specialized producer of thermal protection systems, primarily focusing on heat shields for the emerging space and hypersonic industries. The company employs advanced manufacturing techniques, utilizing robotics and additive manufacturing to develop advanced materials, particularly in ceramics and composites. By integrating software into their manufacturing processes, Canopy Aerospace enhances optimization and efficiency, facilitating the rapid production of critical components. This innovative approach allows vehicle manufacturers across various sectors—including hypersonics, space launch, propulsion, medical, semiconductors, automotive, and power generation—to make informed decisions during the design phase, thereby improving mission capabilities in challenging environments and minimizing costly last-minute revisions.

Rebel Space Technologies specializes in developing software and systems designed to ensure secure, adaptive, and resilient mission-critical operations from Earth to deep space, particularly in the face of radio frequency (RF) threats. The company focuses on autonomous intelligence software that enhances wireless connectivity and provides autonomous threat detection and response for networked edge devices. By converging physical and cyber security, Rebel Space delivers actionable insights in real-time for complex wireless environments. Additionally, the company offers secure radio communication solutions tailored for challenging environments, leveraging advancements in spectrum awareness and autonomous RF systems to enable clients to maintain reliable communications under difficult conditions.

SpaceAlpha specializes in the development of advanced dual-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology aimed at delivering real-time insights from space. The company's SAR-XL satellites utilize artificial intelligence for in-orbit processing, enabling immediate detection of ground objects and providing ultra-high-resolution data. SpaceAlpha's technology is particularly valuable across various sectors, including precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, supply chain logistics, security, and infrastructure. By combining its state-of-the-art SAR capabilities with a predictive analytics platform, SpaceAlpha empowers clients to access actionable information quickly, facilitating informed decision-making in diverse applications ranging from market research to resource management.

Starfish Space Inc. is a company that specializes in developing on-demand in-space transportation and maintenance services for orbiting satellites. Founded in 2019 and based in Kent, Washington, Starfish Space builds small space tugs equipped with advanced Proximity Operations Software, which integrates orbital mechanics and machine vision artificial intelligence with a low-thrust electric propulsion system. This innovative technology allows the company to perform a range of satellite servicing missions, including life extension, relocation, disposal, and inspection. By utilizing smaller space tugs capable of operating across various orbits, Starfish Space aims to enhance the efficiency and longevity of satellite operations in space.

FuelX Innovation is a chemical company focused on the development of solid-state hydrogen storage products designed to enhance power systems. The company aims to establish a leading position in the solid-state hydrogen materials and systems industry, specifically targeting energy storage and power conversion markets. By utilizing high energy density systems, FuelX Innovation's products provide superior performance compared to traditional batteries and pure hydrogen solutions. This technological advancement is particularly beneficial for transportation manufacturers, as it helps them meet increasing performance demands while contributing to reduced carbon emissions across various applications, including e-mobility, portable devices, defense, and aerospace systems.

Exosonic is an early-stage aerospace start-up based in Los Angeles, California, focused on developing supersonic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance adversary air training missions for both commercial and government clients. Founded in 2019, the company aims to evolve these supersonic UAVs into collaborative combat aircraft, with aspirations to create quiet supersonic airliners informed by the insights and revenues generated from its UAV endeavors. Exosonic has secured over $4.5 million in private capital and over $2 million in funding from AFWERX. The company's team of 15 full-time employees is currently working on a subscale flight test vehicle designed to showcase autonomous capabilities and explore crewed-uncrewed cooperation, with the first flight anticipated in the second quarter of 2023.

114 AI Innovation is an information technology company that specializes in managing data through advanced artificial intelligence solutions across various industries. The company focuses on space domain awareness, providing a comprehensive exploitation toolkit that includes data architecture services. By integrating cutting-edge ontologies with AI, 114 AI enables space operators and developers to visualize and analyze diverse data sources in real-time. Their innovative products and tools are designed to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in the space sector.

Modularity Space specializes in the development of modular, reusable satellites designed for servicing in space. The company focuses on creating sustainable and upgradeable spacecraft that can be repaired, refueled, and enhanced while in orbit. By building a constellation of these advanced, mass-producible satellites, Modularity Space aims to reduce the costs associated with sending payloads into space. Its integrated approach encompasses the entire lifecycle of the satellites, including their design, launch, operation, and maintenance, thereby facilitating a transition to more efficient and reusable space systems.

F-drones is a developer and manufacturer of innovative transition drones specifically designed for aerial deliveries to ships and offshore platforms. Their drones combine heavy payload and long-range capabilities, enabling them to take off vertically, fly like fixed-wing aircraft, and land on moving targets. This unique design aims to revolutionize logistics in the shipping industry by significantly reducing costs, time, manpower, and carbon emissions. F-drones aspires to set new safety and reliability standards in aviation-grade drone technology, positioning itself as a leader in heavy payload drone logistics across various industries within five years.

Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company specializing in the development of secure, wireless technology aimed at addressing the challenges of space-ground connectivity. The company focuses on creating innovative laser transmission systems that facilitate efficient communication within the aerospace sector. Its product offerings include space terminals designed for satellites, air terminals for drones and manned aircraft, and ground communications terminals. By providing these advanced solutions, Archangel Lightworks enables resilient connectivity that overcomes the limitations of traditional radio communications, which are often bandwidth-constrained and less secure.

ResilienX is a software development company focused on enhancing the resilience and efficiency of autonomous ecosystems. Their software platform is designed to monitor the health, integrity, and performance of complex systems, particularly in the realm of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. By providing comprehensive oversight of safety-critical systems, ResilienX helps organizations, including federal, state, and commercial entities, manage and mitigate off-nominal situations effectively. Their technology also aids in automated contingency management, ultimately reducing maintenance costs and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, such as those set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Morpheus Space GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Dresden, Germany, is an aerospace company specializing in the manufacture of electric propulsion systems for the small satellite industry. The company produces modular systems such as nanoFEEP and multiFEEP, which facilitate the operation of satellite constellations as cohesive units. By integrating advanced electric propulsion technology with artificial intelligence, Morpheus Space is redefining the capabilities of satellite networks, allowing for unprecedented flexibility in mission planning and orbital maneuvering. Its highly efficient propulsion systems enable satellites to conduct numerous complex maneuvers, optimizing their operations and supporting sustainability in space. This innovation also addresses the challenge of space debris management, positioning Morpheus Space at the forefront of the NewSpace industry.

Robotic Skies, Inc. is a company that provides certification, maintenance, and repair services for commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles. Founded in 2013 and based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Robotic Skies operates a global network of over 150 independently-owned repair stations with expertise in aviation maintenance. The company's services cater to a diverse range of clients, ensuring that UAS can operate safely, efficiently, and affordably. By collaborating with FAA-approved maintenance organizations that also service manned aircraft, Robotic Skies offers a comprehensive field service program designed to keep these aircraft productive and compliant with regulatory standards.

Odys Aviation is an aircraft startup focused on developing hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for regional mobility. The company aims to enhance the human experience of air travel by creating distributed aerial transportation networks that bypass traditional airport infrastructure. This innovative approach significantly reduces door-to-door travel times, making air travel more efficient and accessible. Additionally, Odys Aviation's emphasis on electrification aligns with sustainability goals, allowing businesses to offer environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Through its advanced technology, the company seeks to transform regional travel and contribute to the evolution of urban air mobility.

Nebula Compute is a developer of an open-source cloud computing platform focused on high-performance computing technology for space applications. The company provides innovative solutions designed to facilitate the management and sharing of large, complex data sets, enabling clients, including government agencies and commercial customers, to enhance their operational efficiency. By offering an alternative to the construction of costly data centers, Nebula Compute allows users to provision, manage, and decommission computing resources as needed through a user-friendly web interface or command-line tools. This capability supports scientists and researchers in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other organizations in collaborating effectively with external partners and the public.

Near Earth Autonomy, established in 2011 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing autonomous systems for enhanced safety in ground and aerial vehicles. The company focuses on creating technologies like sensor suites, collision detection, navigation aids, and motion planning, enabling a variety of unmanned aircraft to operate safely across diverse applications. Their work aims to make autonomous flight commonplace and secure, benefiting clients with aircraft ranging from small drones to full-size helicopters.

Atomic-6 is an advanced manufacturing startup established in 2018 and located in Atlanta, Georgia. The company focuses on the development and mass production of next-generation composite products, particularly carbon fiber materials, tailored for the aerospace, military, and logistics industries. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Atomic-6 provides engineering consultancy services, assisting organizations in the space and aerospace sectors to integrate advanced composite solutions into their operations. Through its innovative approach, Atomic-6 aims to enhance the efficiency and performance of critical applications within these high-demand industries.

Limatech is a manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries specifically designed for the aviation sector, with applications in space and defense. The company produces batteries suitable for various types of aircraft, including ultralight and light-sport airplanes, helicopters, and drones, as well as marine and land applications. Limatech's batteries are utilized for starting piston and turbine engines, employing proprietary technology to enhance safety, reliability, and longevity. This innovative approach provides the aeronautics and defense industries with advanced energy storage solutions that surpass traditional lead and nickel-cadmium battery technologies.

Plus Ultra Space Outposts manages and deploys off-Earth infrastructure for the growth and sustainability of the upcoming cislunar economy. The company was founded in 2020 and has locations in Spain, Germany, and Luxembourg.

FuelX Innovation is a chemical company focused on the development of solid-state hydrogen storage products designed to enhance power systems. The company aims to establish a leading position in the solid-state hydrogen materials and systems industry, specifically targeting energy storage and power conversion markets. By utilizing high energy density systems, FuelX Innovation's products provide superior performance compared to traditional batteries and pure hydrogen solutions. This technological advancement is particularly beneficial for transportation manufacturers, as it helps them meet increasing performance demands while contributing to reduced carbon emissions across various applications, including e-mobility, portable devices, defense, and aerospace systems.

Skyways is a Texas-based company that specializes in the development and construction of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones aimed at enhancing military logistics. Founded in 2017 and backed by Y Combinator, Skyways focuses on creating autonomous delivery drones capable of carrying payloads of up to 45 pounds. These drones are designed to facilitate the safe transport of goods, minimizing risks to personnel during operations. With an emphasis on software innovation, Skyways aims to achieve full autonomy and large-scale fleet operations, starting with cargo transportation and eventually expanding into personal air transportation services. The company's core mission is to revolutionize transportation and logistics while ensuring the safety and efficiency of military supply chains.

SyncFab is a technology company that operates a blockchain-based platform designed to enhance supply chain management in manufacturing. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Leandro, California, with an additional office in Los Angeles, SyncFab connects original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical devices with a network of distributed manufacturers. The platform allows users to manage procurement processes efficiently by facilitating access to manufacturers, approving quotes, and tracking orders, all while ensuring security and traceability through blockchain technology. SyncFab provides a range of manufacturing services, including CNC machining, welding, and finishing, and aims to streamline operations by eliminating intermediaries and reducing procurement times and costs. Additionally, the company is recognized for its role in advancing clean energy smart manufacturing initiatives and is a member of various industry consortiums focused on innovation in manufacturing technologies.

Cluster Technologies, Inc., established in 2018 and based in Culver City, California, operates a platform that specializes in staffing and workforce management solutions. The company connects qualified candidates, including various types of mechanical and electrical engineers, with full-time roles in industries such as aviation, aerospace, defense, automotive, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. Cluster's platform matches companies with vetted, ready-to-interview candidates from top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, at no cost to the talent.

C4 Systems Inc., headquartered in Israel, specializes in developing airborne systems that integrate mission-critical information into a unified platform. This system provides real-time situational awareness for all participating units, enhancing decision-making capabilities for aerial and ground forces in homeland security and paramilitary domains.

Launcher Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in the development and delivery of small satellite launch services. The firm creates highly efficient rockets and transfer vehicles, specifically designed to transport small satellites into orbit. Notably, Launcher has engineered a liquid propellant rocket engine that utilizes a three-dimensional printing process, employing liquid oxygen and kerosene as fuel. This innovative approach allows the company to offer cost-effective solutions for clients seeking to deploy remote-controlled satellites into space.

Block Aero is a Bangkok-based company established in 2017 that specializes in providing a blockchain platform tailored for the aviation supply chain. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the company digitizes assets and creates digital passports secured by blockchain technology. This innovative approach allows organizations within the aerospace industry to efficiently manage their data, enhance safety management systems, and streamline operations. Block Aero's solutions aim to lower operational costs, reduce turnaround times, and create new revenue opportunities, ultimately improving productivity and transaction efficiency across the global aerospace supply chain.

Sightec specializes in developing visual intelligence technologies for autonomous flights, utilizing advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products designed to provide camera-based visual situation awareness at all times, including capabilities for navigation, object detection, and 3D change detection, all without reliance on GPS. Its flagship product, NavSight, is a GPS-free visual aerial navigation system that processes drone camera feeds—both RGB and thermal—to deliver visual positioning in GPS-denied environments. Sightec serves a diverse clientele, including governments, original equipment manufacturers, integrators, and service providers across various unmanned aerial system applications such as aerospace, public safety, security, inspection, and delivery. The company's vision is to enhance the autonomous flights market by offering an affordable and lightweight solution for visual situation awareness, aiming to ultimately reduce the need for human pilots.

Ravyn Technology Corporation, established in 2019 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, specializes in aerospace and defense engineering services. The company caters to the needs of the U.S. government, offering a range of products including solid-fuel and cruise missiles, artillery, precision-guided munitions, and related subsystems. Ravyn's focus is on providing rapid prototype, fieldable weapon systems to government organizations.

Skyloom Global Corp. is a company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced communication technology for outer space. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Merritt Island, Florida, the company focuses on creating a spaceborne infrastructure that utilizes optical communication technology and relay satellites positioned in geostationary orbit. Skyloom's products are designed to significantly enhance space-to-Earth bandwidth, facilitating the efficient transfer of high-capacity data for satellite constellations. This capability enables low Earth orbit satellites to transmit vast amounts of information instantaneously, thereby supporting real-time insights and applications in various sectors.

AnsuR, based in Norway & Spain, provides software for mission-critical satellite communication of multimedia content, reducing bandwidth by 99% and increasing efficiency by 100 times.

Momentus Inc. is a commercial space company based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 2017. The company specializes in providing water-powered transportation services for spacecraft, focusing on in-space infrastructure. Momentus offers a range of services, including space transportation, hosted payloads, and in-orbit servicing, utilizing innovative water plasma-based propulsion technology that is currently under development. Its transfer and service vehicles are designed to carry satellites and hosted payloads between different orbits, supporting the growing demands of the new space economy.

Prime Lightworks Inc. specializes in the manufacture of electric propulsion systems for space satellites. The company focuses on the direct conversion of electricity into thrust, facilitating interplanetary space travel while minimizing emissions associated with aerospace propulsion. By engineering innovative solutions, Prime Lightworks aims to create new possibilities in space exploration, significantly reducing both costs and waste in the process.

RED 6 INC. is a company that specializes in outdoor augmented reality solutions specifically designed for air combat training. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Monica, California, RED 6 has developed the Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS), which allows pilots and ground operators to visualize synthetic threats in real-time during high-speed outdoor environments. This innovative platform integrates augmented reality technology into military training, enabling real pilots in actual aircraft to engage with computer-generated enemies effectively. By utilizing an augmented reality visor, an AI-driven multiplayer network, and biometric feedback loops, RED 6 enhances training experiences, thereby improving readiness and operational capabilities for military applications. The company's technology is not only pivotal for defense but also has potential applications across various industries, including entertainment, sports, and medicine.

Spaceit provides a comprehensive solution for satellite ground operations through its cloud-based Mission Control System (MCS). This platform facilitates seamless satellite communications by offering access to a global network of ground stations, enabling satellite command and control, and supporting cross-network communication. Additionally, Spaceit's services include satellite simulators for live-fire cyber exercises and tools for the development, testing, and validation of satellite communication systems. The MCS is designed for flexible scaling and remote usage, featuring automated backups and maintenance to reduce operational costs. Through these offerings, Spaceit helps businesses effectively manage satellite missions and optimize their communication capabilities.

Clarvoyant is a technology company that commercializes a multi-platform suite of tools designed for immediate holographic prototyping and collaboration in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Originally developed by NASA and JPL, these tools facilitate early-stage mission design for engineering and design teams in aerospace and other industries.

Internest is a developer of advanced positioning systems specifically tailored for rotating winged vehicles, such as drones and helicopters. The company designs a local landing system that integrates both firmware and hardware to deliver precise and reliable positioning information, regardless of visibility, weather, or environmental conditions. This technology is particularly beneficial for security, military, and maritime sectors, enhancing operational safety and efficacy during critical missions. By focusing on robust positioning solutions, Internest aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of aerial operations.

Hionos brings years of expertise in safety-critical avionics software to the world of drones. They make drones safer.

Phase Four LLC, founded in 2015 and based in Pasadena, California, specializes in the manufacture of satellite propulsion systems, particularly for small satellites. The company is known for its innovative Radio Frequency Thruster (RFT), which distinguishes itself by omitting traditional components such as hollow cathodes and high voltage electronics. This design leads to substantial benefits, including a tenfold reduction in materials costs compared to legacy electric propulsion systems, a significant decrease in the size of power electronics, and versatility in propellant use. Phase Four's propulsion solutions are utilized in various space missions, including commercial, civil, and scientific endeavors, and are engineered to optimize performance while maintaining a competitive thrust-to-power ratio. The company also offers products like the CubeSats ambipolar thruster and the Maxwell plasma propulsion solution, contributing to the efficient maneuvering of satellites across diverse orbital trajectories.

Optisys is a manufacturer specializing in RF design and metal additive manufacturing, focusing on the production of 3D printed antenna products for aerospace and defense applications. The company emphasizes creating integrated antenna and radar products that optimize size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C), thus enhancing overall system performance. By employing innovative design processes and advanced metal additive manufacturing techniques, Optisys allows clients to maintain control over the design and manufacturing process, ensuring high product performance and consistency.

Natilus Inc. is a California-based company that specializes in manufacturing aircraft drones for freight forwarding. Founded in 2016 by Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov, the company aims to transform the air cargo industry through innovative designs and advanced technology. With a team of engineering experts who have extensive experience in various aviation sectors, Natilus seeks to reduce air freight costs and improve accessibility for underdeveloped areas, ultimately enhancing global supply chain efficiency and sustainability. Its aircraft, including the Kona short-haul UAV, Alisio medium/long-range UAV, and Nordes long-range UAV, are constructed from carbon fiber composites and utilize existing ground infrastructure and standard air cargo containers. This design allows for remote piloting capabilities and positions Natilus to capitalize on a significant market opportunity, projecting an expansion of the air freight sector to $470 billion through cost reductions and increased efficiency.

AirMap, Inc. is a digital airspace and automation company that specializes in software solutions for managing low-altitude airspace and facilitating drone operations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with additional offices in Europe and Asia, AirMap offers a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) platform. This platform provides critical airspace information, including geometries, restrictions, and situational awareness, to various stakeholders, such as airspace authorities, enterprise operators, and developers. AirMap aims to enable safe and efficient drone flight by organizing and automating airspace management, thereby fostering innovation in applications ranging from agriculture to public safety. The company collaborates with industry partners and is actively involved in initiatives like the Small UAV Coalition and NASA's UTM program, ensuring it plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of low-altitude aviation.