Radian Aerospace Company Profile

Background

Overview

Radian Aerospace, founded in 2016, is an American aerospace company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The company is dedicated to developing the Radian One, a fully reusable, horizontal takeoff and landing, single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane. This innovative vehicle aims to provide routine, reliable, and cost-effective access to space, facilitating missions such as scientific research, in-space manufacturing, and rapid global delivery.

Mission and Vision

Radian's mission is to revolutionize space access by making spaceflight as routine and reliable as air travel. The company's vision encompasses expanding access to space, unlocking new mission capabilities, and driving the creation of entirely new industries through its innovative spaceplane technology.

Industry Significance

Radian Aerospace is positioned at the forefront of the aerospace industry, addressing the longstanding challenge of developing a fully reusable spaceplane. By achieving this, Radian aims to significantly reduce the cost and increase the frequency of space missions, thereby accelerating the growth of the commercial space sector and enabling a wide range of applications from research to rapid global delivery.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Development of Radian One: Focus on creating a fully reusable, single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane capable of horizontal takeoff and landing.

• Expansion of Space Access: Provide routine and reliable access to low Earth orbit (LEO) for both crewed and uncrewed missions.

• Cost Reduction: Significantly lower the cost of space transportation to make space operations more accessible and frequent.

Areas of Specialization

• Reusable Space Vehicles: Design and development of spaceplanes that can perform multiple missions with minimal turnaround time.

• Horizontal Launch and Landing Systems: Innovative approaches to space vehicle launch and recovery, utilizing existing runway infrastructure.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Advanced Composite Materials: Utilization of carbon matrix composites for constructing lightweight and durable airframes.

• Thermal Protection Systems: Development of robust thermal protection systems to withstand the rigors of re-entry and reusability.

• Propulsion Systems: Design and testing of rocket engines optimized for integration with the spaceplane's design.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Commercial Space Stations: Providing transportation services to emerging commercial space habitats.

• In-Space Manufacturing: Enabling the delivery of materials and personnel to in-space manufacturing facilities.

• Satellite Operators: Offering cost-effective and flexible launch and retrieval services for satellites.

• Rapid Global Delivery: Facilitating quick transportation of goods and services to remote or underserved regions on Earth.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Seed Funding Round (January 2022): Radian Aerospace secured $27.5 million in seed funding led by Fine Structure Ventures, with additional investments from EXOR, The Venture Collective, Helios Capital, SpaceFund, Gaingels, The Private Shares Fund, Explorer 1 Fund, and Type One Ventures.

• Recent Funding Round (March 2025): Radian Aerospace completed a later-stage venture capital funding round, further supporting the development of the Radian One spaceplane.

Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are allocated towards advancing the development of the Radian One spaceplane, including:

• Main Engine Testing: Conducting tests to validate propulsion systems.

• Composite Tank Testing: Assessing the performance of composite materials used in the vehicle's structure.

• Design Maturation: Refining the spaceplane's design based on testing and analysis.

• Aero Analysis: Performing aerodynamic studies to optimize vehicle performance.

• Customer Development: Engaging with potential clients to establish service agreements and partnerships.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• PFV01 Prototype: A subscale prototype vehicle used to validate design concepts and gather data for the Radian One development.

Stages of Development

• Ground Testing: Completed initial ground taxi tests in Abu Dhabi, assessing low-speed takeoff and landing characteristics.

• Flight Testing: Plans to conduct higher-speed taxi tests and full-scale flight tests in the coming months.

Target Conditions

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Transporting crew and cargo to and from LEO destinations.

• Terrestrial Delivery: Rapid delivery of goods and services to various Earth locations.

Anticipated Milestones

• Prototype Flight Testing: Initiation of full-scale flight tests in the near future.

• Operational Deployment: Aiming for operational missions with the Radian One spaceplane in the coming years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Composite Propellant Tanks: Development of composite tanks for efficient propellant storage and management.

• Thermal Protection Systems: Innovative thermal protection solutions to ensure vehicle integrity during re-entry and reusability.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Aerodynamic Analysis: Utilizing advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimize vehicle aerodynamics.

• Materials Testing: Conducting rigorous testing of materials to ensure performance under extreme conditions.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Flight Control Systems: Implementing AI algorithms to enhance stability and control during flight operations.

Leadership Team

Richard Humphrey – Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

An entrepreneur and angel investor with experience in aerospace, product design, and business development. Co-founded Radian Aerospace in 2016 and serves as CEO. Previously co-founded Kavoo, a private airline, and founded Drinkworks, a product design company. Holds an undergraduate degree in economics and an MBA in Finance.

Livingston Holder – Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder

Aerospace professional with over 30 years of experience, including roles at Boeing, NASA, NRO, DARPA, USAF, and other defense agencies. Co-founded Radian Aerospace in 2016 and serves as CTO. Holds a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and an M.S. in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

Curtis Gifford – Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, & Co-Founder

Over 25 years of experience in strategic consulting, technical product development, and financial management for high-tech growth companies. Co-founded Radian Aerospace in 2016 and serves as CFO and COO. Holds a B.A. in Astronomy-Physics from the University of Virginia, an M.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia, and an MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration.

Jeff Feige – Chief Revenue Officer & Co-Founder

Responsible for customer and international partnerships, strategic relationships, and team building. Co-founded Radian Aerospace in 2016 and serves as CRO. Previously CEO of Orbital Outfitters Ltd., the world's first private spacesuit company. Holds a bachelor's degree in business and corporate communications from Drexel University.

Jeff Matthews – Chief Strategy Officer

Specialist in emerging markets and economic barriers in the space industry. Served as a specialist leader for Deloitte Consulting LLP, establishing Deloitte’s US Government and Public Services Space Practice. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Boston University.

Leadership Changes

As of February 2026, there have been no publicly disclosed significant changes or appointments within Radian Aerospace's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The commercial space industry is experiencing rapid growth, with projections estimating the market to reach $1.4 trillion in less than a decade. This expansion is driven by increasing demand for satellite launches, in-space manufacturing, and space tourism. Radian Aerospace's focus on reusability and cost-effective access to space positions it to capitalize on these trends.