Company: Spaceflight Inc.

Overview

Spaceflight Inc. is an American aerospace company specializing in organizing rideshare space launches of secondary payloads. Founded in 2009 by Jason Andrews and based in Seattle, Washington, the company was part of Spaceflight Industries until its separation in 2020. As of June 2023, Spaceflight Inc. was acquired by Firefly Aerospace.

Key Services and Technologies

• Rideshare Space Launches: Spaceflight purchases excess capacity from commercial launch vehicles and resells it to secondary payloads, offering integration and certification services. This approach provides significant cost savings.

• Launch Vehicles: The company utilizes a variety of launch vehicles including Antares, Dnepr, Soyuz, and Falcon 9, as well as launches from the International Space Station.

• SHERPA System: A space tug using a custom ring structure, equipped with propulsion systems and other subsystems, designed to transport and maneuver small and secondary spacecraft within space.

• Next-Generation Sherpa-NG Program: Introduced in 2020, this includes a family of ESPA-class space vehicles such as Sherpa-FX, Sherpa-LTC, and Sherpa-LTE, aiming to reduce development timelines and improve reliability.

Recent Developments

Firefly Aerospace acquired Spaceflight Inc. to enhance its orbital transfer capabilities and on-orbit solutions. This acquisition, announced on June 8, 2023, integrates Spaceflight's satellite transportation services into Firefly's launch vehicle portfolio.

Leadership Team at Firefly Aerospace

• Jason Kim, Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Appointed in August 2024, previously CEO of Millennium Space Systems. He brings over 20 years of aerospace and defense industry experience.

• Dan Fermon, Chief Operating Officer (COO): Joined Firefly Aerospace from GE Aerospace, significantly boosting operational efficiency.

• Darren Ma, Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Joined in August 2020, successfully helped Firefly reach unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.

Facilities

Firefly Aerospace, headquartered in Cedar Park, Texas, operates multiple facilities including:

• Rocket Ranch: Located in Briggs, TX, for launch vehicle production and testing.

• Vandenberg Space Force Base (SLC-2): Lompoc, CA.

• Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (Launch Pad-0A): Wallops Island, VA.

• Cape Canaveral Space Force Launch Site (SLC-20): Cape Canaveral, FL.

• Esrange Space Center (Launch Complex 3C): Kiruna, Sweden.

Strategic Vision

Firefly Aerospace aims to provide affordable and reliable access to space through evolving launch vehicles and spacecraft. Their future missions include:

• Responsive Launch Services

• In-Space Logistics and Mobility

• GEO Payload Hosting

• Lunar and Interplanetary Transport Services

Contact Details

• Website: [spaceflight.com](http://spaceflight.com)

• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, U.S.

• LinkedIn: [Spaceflight Inc.](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spaceflightinc)

Firefly Aerospace Contact:

• Headquarters: 1320 Arrow Point Dr #109, Cedar Park, TX 78613

• Phone: 512-893-5570

• Website: [fireflyspace.com](http://fireflyspace.com)

Competitor Profiling Report for Spaceflight Inc.

Overview of Key Competitors

1. TransAstra

Company Overview:
TransAstra, also known as Trans Astronautica Corporation, specializes in developing breakthrough technologies in space resources and in-space transportation. Founded in February 2015 by Dr. Joel Sercel, TransAstra aims to enable substantial growth in space logistics and resource management.

Key Technologies and Products:

• Sutter Telescope System: Advanced telescope technology for asteroid detection.

• Omnivore™ Thruster: High-efficiency thruster system.

• Flytrap™ Capture Bags: For capturing space debris and asteroids.

• Worker Bee™ Flight System: A space vehicle designed for various in-orbit tasks.

Significant Achievements:

• NASA SBIR and NIAC Awards: Multiple phases awarded, highlighting innovations in asteroid mining and lunar exploration.

• Patents Issued: Numerous patents, including systems for lunar mining and space vehicle mobility.

Facility:
The Hive, a 7,000 sq ft facility in San Fernando, CA, houses prototype assembly and testing capabilities.

Observatories

• Sierra Remote Observatory (California)

• Winer Observatory (Arizona)

• Springbrook Research Observatory (Australia)

2. OpenStratosphere

Company Overview:
OpenStratosphere is an independent company offering Near Space platforms and deploying spacecraft for space missions and payload operations. Known for its high safety standards, the company leverages solar energy to power its platforms, allowing extended operations above commercial airlines.

Key Solutions:

• Stratospheric Drones: Capable of operating for weeks using 100% solar energy.

• Design and Build: Custom spacecraft for various space missions.

3. Star Technology and Research Inc.

Company Overview:
Founded in 1998, Star Technology and Research Inc. focuses on aircraft and spacecraft research using advanced materials and engineering techniques. The company provides professional engineering services and develops innovative solutions for high-altitude, long-endurance applications.

4. Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems

Company Overview:
Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems, part of the larger Lockheed Martin Corporation, excels in defense technology and systems integration. Known for its comprehensive ISR mission systems suited for various aircraft platforms, Lockheed Martin is a major player in aerospace and defense sectors.

5. D-Orbit

Company Overview:
D-Orbit, established in 2011, is a leader in space logistics and orbital transportation. The company offers last-mile delivery of satellites, mission control services, and space waste management solutions.

Key Services and Technologies:

• Orbital Transfer Vehicle: Supports cloud-enabled space operations.

• In-Orbit Servicing: Enhances satellite missions.

• Space Waste Management: Pioneering sustainable space practices.

Corporate Presence:

• Global Offices: Milan, Italy; Washington, DC; Lisbon, Portugal.

• Recent Events: Active participation in key industry events such as World Space Business Week and ESA Industry Space Days.

Analysis

TransAstra emerges as a significant competitor with its robust space resource and transportation technologies, supported by an extensive patent portfolio and prestigious NASA awards. OpenStratosphere provides innovative Near Space platforms, focusing on sustainability with solar-powered solutions. Star Technology and Research Inc. delivers specialized aircraft and spacecraft research services, leveraging new materials and engineering processes. Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems maintains its dominance through highly integrated defense and surveillance systems. D-Orbit stands out with its comprehensive orbital logistics services and sustainable space waste management solutions.

For Spaceflight Inc., understanding the innovative strategies and technologies employed by these competitors can offer valuable insights into market trends and potential opportunities for differentiation. Collaborations, technological advancements, and strategic positioning in the growing sector of in-space logistics and resource management will be crucial for maintaining competitive edge.