Terminal Velocity Aerospace, LLC: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Terminal Velocity Aerospace, LLC (TVA) is a private aerospace company specializing in the development of reentry devices and heat shield technologies aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of spacecraft reentry. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, TVA focuses on providing solutions for data collection during reentry events and the safe return of small payloads from space.

Mission and Vision

TVA's mission is to improve reentry safety and further the utilization of outer space by offering innovative reentry devices and heat shield technologies. The company's vision is to advance space exploration and commercial space activities by providing reliable and cost-effective solutions for spacecraft reentry and payload return.

Primary Area of Focus

TVA's primary focus is on developing small reentry devices (REDs) that facilitate data collection during reentry events and ensure the safe return of small payloads from space. These devices are designed to enhance the understanding of spacecraft atmospheric entry and breakup, test high-temperature materials, and support high-frequency space-based research.

Industry Significance

In the aerospace industry, TVA plays a crucial role by addressing the challenges associated with spacecraft reentry and payload return. Its innovations contribute to the advancement of space exploration, the development of new materials, and the expansion of commercial space activities.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Enhancing Reentry Safety: Developing technologies that improve the safety and reliability of spacecraft reentry processes.

Facilitating Payload Return: Creating solutions that enable the safe return of small payloads from space, supporting various scientific and commercial applications.

Advancing Space Research: Providing tools that aid in the study of spacecraft atmospheric entry, material performance, and other critical aspects of space missions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Reentry Devices: Designing and manufacturing small reentry devices capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures during atmospheric entry.

Heat Shield Technologies: Developing advanced heat shield materials and systems to protect spacecraft during reentry.

Data Collection Systems: Implementing systems that collect and transmit data during reentry events for analysis and research purposes.

Key Technologies Utilized

Thermal Protection Systems (TPS): Utilizing advanced materials and designs to protect spacecraft from the intense heat generated during reentry.

Parachute Recovery Systems: Employing parachute systems to ensure the safe descent and landing of reentry devices and payloads.

Communication Technologies: Integrating communication systems such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Iridium satellite communications for data transmission during reentry.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Commercial Space Industry: Providing solutions for private companies involved in space exploration, satellite deployment, and other commercial space activities.

Government Space Agencies: Collaborating with agencies like NASA to enhance the safety and efficiency of space missions.

Research Institutions: Supporting academic and research organizations in studying spacecraft reentry and material performance.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

TVA has secured funding through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards from NASA, totaling $873,563. These awards include a Phase I award of $124,874 in 2014 and a Phase II award of $748,689 in 2015.

Total Funds Raised

The total funds raised by TVA amount to $873,563, all obtained through the aforementioned SBIR awards.

Notable Investors

As a recipient of NASA's SBIR awards, TVA's primary investor is the U.S. government through NASA.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital from these awards was utilized to design, fabricate, and demonstrate the RED-4U payload accommodations for high-frequency sample return from the International Space Station (ISS) and to detail the concept of operations for RED-4U use on the ISS.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

RED-4U: A small reentry device capable of returning small payloads from space, with initial prototype development funded by a separate contract.

Stages of Product Development

Prototype Development: The RED-4U device underwent design and fabrication stages, with demonstrations planned to validate its capabilities.

Target Conditions

Spacecraft Reentry: Addressing the challenges associated with spacecraft atmospheric entry and breakup.

Payload Return: Ensuring the safe return of small payloads from space to Earth.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Prototype Testing: Scheduled for May 2015, involving a high-altitude drop test to demonstrate mission-enabling communications technologies and verify integrated performance, including the functionality of its parachute recovery system.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

RED-4U Device: A small reentry device designed to accommodate payloads equivalent to four CubeSats, facilitating the return of small payloads from space.

Significant Scientific Methods

High-Altitude Drop Testing: Conducting drop tests from high-altitude balloons to emulate a large portion of the trajectory of an orbital entry, validating the performance of reentry devices.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Dominic DePasquale: Former CEO of TVA, who led the company during its development and testing phases.

Dr. John Dec: Program Manager at TVA, recognized by NASA with a Group Achievement Award for contributions to advanced heatshield flight experiments.

Mr. Wahaj Khan: Electrical Engineer at TVA, also honored by NASA for work on heatshield flight experiments.

Mr. Jose Cardona: Senior Mechanical Engineer at TVA, recognized by NASA for contributions to heatshield flight experiments.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The aerospace industry, particularly in the domain of spacecraft reentry and payload return, is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a growing demand for cost-effective solutions. Companies like TVA contribute to the expansion of commercial space activities and the advancement of space exploration.

Competitor Analysis

While specific competitors to TVA are not detailed in the available information, the company operates in a niche market focusing on reentry devices and heat shield technologies, which may overlap with other aerospace firms specializing in similar technologies.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

NASA: TVA collaborated with NASA's Flight Opportunities Program to demonstrate a small payload return capsule and associated technologies via a high-altitude drop test.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

TVA's strategic roadmap includes further development and testing of reentry devices, expansion of payload return capabilities, and potential collaborations with commercial space companies and government agencies to enhance the safety and efficiency of space missions.