Icarus Robotics is building intelligent robots to serve as a labor force in space, beginning with human-in-the-loop control and learning from demonstration. Its machines are intended to handle work such as cargo operations and orbital construction, allowing astronauts to concentrate on research and exploration. The company’s founding team combines experience in NASA and ISS agricultural systems, NASA JPL lunar rovers, hospital robotics, and Formula 1 engineering.
Hitchhiker OrbitalHitchhiker Orbital designs orbital research platforms and infrastructure for experimentation, hosted payloads, and longer-term space operations. The early-stage company concentrates on the often-overlooked work after launch, developing adaptable enclosures and systems intended to support science while addressing orbital congestion and maintenance. Its team combines former NASA mission and test engineers with experienced aerospace and mechanical designers, and the company is also researching the cost of hosted payloads in low Earth orbit.New York, NY
Astrobotic TechnologyFounded in Pittsburgh in 2007, Astrobotic Technology builds spacecraft for lunar delivery, including landers, rovers and power infrastructure designed to support activity on the Moon. Its 47,000-square-foot North Side complex is dedicated to lunar logistics, where more than 130 employees build and operate these systems alongside navigation, machine-vision and other space technologies. Astrobotic has secured more than 60 NASA, Department of Defense and commercial contracts worth over $600 million, and launched the first U.S. commercial lunar lander to operate in space.336414PITTSBURGH, PA
Titan Robotics, IncFounded in 2014 by Carnegie Mellon faculty, Titan Robotics develops adaptive robotic systems for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and aerospace maintenance. From its Pittsburgh-area engineering base, the company combines robotics expertise with its proprietary Titan Controller so operators can use complex processes without programming or hard fixturing. Its field deployments include systems for aircraft paint removal, inspection, repair, and finishing.333998CORAOPOLIS, PA
ArgotecFounded in Turin by David Avino in 2008, Argotec designs, builds and operates small satellites for Earth orbit and deep-space missions, while also developing human-spaceflight solutions and related space services. Its SpacePark headquarters in San Mauro Torinese is an in-house satellite factory spanning more than 11,000 square meters, with capacity for over 50 satellites a year. Argotec’s LICIACube and ArgoMoon missions carried its microsatellites into deep space, and its ISSpresso project brought the first coffee machine to the International Space Station.LARGO, MD