Business Insights

30 top aerospace startups to know in 2024

April 03, 2024

Ground-breaking aerospace startups that have their eyes set on space
Aerospace is a huge industry responsible for designing, manufacturing, and selling aircraft and spacecraft. Rapidly advancing technology and changing consumer behavior are shaping the new aerospace industry. Companies from all over the world are focused on creating more efficient and environmentally friendly planes while reducing the costs of general aviation.

Hence, the aerospace industry is experiencing a boom of new technologies – it’s hardly surprising that startups are looking to get in on the action. Inspired by the past and dedicated to solving the challenges of future space exploration, many aerospace startups were born in the past few years, and some of them are really revolutionizing the aerospace industry.

 

What are aerospace startups?

Aerospace startups are new companies that make space-related technologies and services. They include a wide range of companies, from new space startups like SpaceX to companies that act as sub-subcontractors to the larger aerospace contractors.

Aerospace startups are known to be high-flying technologies, although they’re supported by more of a proof-of-concept than a working prototype. Even as they’re getting their enterprises off the ground and out into the stratosphere, investors need to hold onto their seats and strap themselves in.

The most innovative aerospace startups in 2024

Aerospace startups are keeping being open to many innovations in materials, propulsion mechanisms, and other technologies that can be implemented for aerospace use. Fascinated by their dedication and work we have analyzed the market and compiled a list of the 29 most promising aerospace startups this year.

D-Orbit

D-Orbit pioneers space logistics capabilities enabling optimized transportation, precision deployment, and end-of-life disposal for satellites in orbit. As the first company tackling the complex needs of managing infrastructure and missions throughout spacecraft lifecycles, D-Orbit offers an integrated solution.

Their ION Satellite Carrier can transport over 80 hosted payloads at a time before releasing each asset at custom destinations. ION handles space debris removal too, capturing retired satellites and controlledly deorbiting them. With the ability to ferry satellites, synchronize multi-payload releases across orbits, and manage space waste, D-Orbit unlocks new economies of scale for the commercial space sector while preventing overcrowding as launch rates accelerate exponentially in coming years.

Anduril Industries

Founded in 2017, Anduril develops intelligent perimeter solutions using autonomous drones, sensors, and modular towers. Their autonomous sentry system is deployed along the southern U.S. border. Features integrate sensor data to identify and track unauthorized crossings in remote areas.

Anduril aims to enhance surveillance capabilities and safety outcomes with automation that amplifies human judgment. Their systems cue video review and mobilize responses based on AI classification. Anduril believes applied properly under oversight, advanced technology can uphold security more humanely and effectively.

Isar Aerospace

Isar Aerospace is one of the most innovative aerospace startups that develop next-generation rockets for sustainable access to space for small and medium satellites and satellite constellations. By offering flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective access to space, they are shaping the future of space flight.

Knowing that space flight will shape how humans will live, work and travel tomorrow, with their innovations Isar Aerospace contributes to humanity’s progress and our planet’s sustainable technological and economic development.

Accion Systems

Satellites are not the only thing that needs innovations to achieve bigger aerospace goals. Propulsion has to change too, therefore, Accion Systems created a more efficient ion thruster: the Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray (TILE) engine and reinvented propulsion for New Space.

Their innovative propulsion system is suitable for small satellites, constellations, and other mission-critical spacecraft. That means you can extend your mission lifetime without sacrificing the mission, and get more value from every satellite in your fleet.

ClearSpace

Next on the list of the most promising aerospace startups is ClearSpace. This startup develops in-orbit service missions to enable a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable space industry. The mission of their team is to remove debris from Earth orbit and for that purpose they are building a technology to make those missions affordable.

In the past, abandoned and damaged satellites in orbit have been manually captured and repaired through astronaut-led missions using the space shuttle, but with ClearSpace shaping the future of the aerospace industry, that will no longer be the case.

AgniKul Cosmos

By designing, manufacturing, testing, and launching orbital-class rockets for micro and nanosatellites, AgniKul Cosmos is bringing space within everyone’s reach. Their product Agnibaan is a highly customizable, 2 stage launch vehicle that is capable of taking up to 100 kg to orbits around 700 km high.

This vehicle doesn’t fly with the same number of engines all the time but the satellite and the launch port itself would decide how many engines will go on the first stage. Moreover, Agnibaan can access both low and high inclination orbits, is designed for accessing more than 10 launch ports, and is completely mobile.

LeoLabs

LeoLabs addresses a new generation of risks and opportunities to preserve Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for future generations. Newly-formed space agencies, as well as commercial space ventures, compete for their place in the emerging LEO economy, thus, this aerospace startup is committed to making transformative leaps in space safety, transparency, analytics, and radar technology.

With a focus on providing unparalleled support for industries that rely on satellite services, and with their network of ground-based, phased array radars, LeoLabs produces high-resolution data on objects in LEO. They are already shaping the aerospace industry because what once took tracking objects in LEO meant decades and billions of dollars to stand up the required radars, computing infrastructure, and staffing, today is handled by the LeoLabs team.

ABL Space Systems

ABL Space Systems is designing launch vehicles that will provide low-cost options for customers that want to launch small satellites. RS1 is engineered and manufactured in the USA and is capable of launching 1,350kg of payload on demand.

ABL Space Systems’s team of engineers and builders comes from the world’s leading aerospace and defense companies and their goal is to prove that reaching space can be simple, efficient, and routine. On the whole, this revolutionary aerospace startup changes what it means to launch rockets in the modern space age, in less time than thought possible.

CesiumAstro

CesiumAstro is one of the top aerospace startups that are recognized for developing communications solutions for different aviation and aeronautics products. Their systems are specifically designed for UAVs, launch systems, satellites, and other space vehicles.

Their software-defined communication systems are with full environmental testing, ready to install and fly. All you need to do is define your payload requirements and CesiumAstro will configure a mission-ready solution customized to your application utilizing their full-stack modular product line.

SCOUT

SCOUT is offering in-space observation data and services and that way they are making space transparent and safer. Founded by two passionate individuals with a diverse background in start-ups and innovation research and development, this aerospace startup built space programs and impressive teams across academia, government, and industry.

They’ve developed a SCOUT-Vision payload system, that gives spacecraft eyes and enables better navigation and avoiding threats. Moreover, their computer vision and guidance software packages allow a new era of complex autonomy.

Kawa Space

Kawa Space is organizing the world’s satellite data and making it universally queryable, accessible, and instantly useful. This innovative aerospace startup developed the GEOINT platform that enables teams of all sizes to decode their area of interest simply by using an API call.

With a mission to democratize space for all, Kawa Space is building roads so our future generations can go explore the ever-expanding universe. Hence, this is one of the aerospace startups that are forever changing the future of the aerospace industry by harnessing the power of satellites orbiting our planet.

Kayhan Space

Kayhan Space developed integrated spaceflight operations tools that allow satellite operators to focus on their core mission, wherever their journey takes them. It’s fascinating because this innovative tool is capable of screening launch vehicle trajectories against the entire space object catalog to compute probabilities of collision and identify possible close approaches.

The screening process is fast and fully accessible via Kayhan Space’s dashboard as well as APIs. Even though this aerospace startup was launched by a small-but-mighty team thair technological solutions promise rapid growth.

LaunchPoint EPS

LaunchPoint EPS with over a decade of experience in the custom design and engineering of hybrid-electric propulsion systems and electric machines designs and manufactures high specific power electric machines and controller solutions for the aerospace and defense, power generation, thermal management, and Advanced Air Mobility markets.

Because of their dedication to bringing innovative solutions that will revolutionize the aerospace industry and proven results, LaunchPoint EPS found its place on our list of best aerospace startups in 2022. The team of this aerospace startup is a diverse and experienced group of scientists and engineers that are recognized as world experts in electric propulsion technology.

Coflyt

Coflyt is the perfect example of how can digital technology improve every industry. This time it resulted in a solution to provide peace of mind for aircraft owners. To do so, this aerospace startup combines inspections and maintenance tracking, scheduling, and billing into a simple, mobile app. In other words, Coflyt puts your aircraft into the palm of your hand.

With this innovative aviation app, you can keep visibility of mechanical issues and squawks at your fingertips, as well as required VFR/IFR inspection statuses, and monitor service intervals like oil changes, etc. You will also be able to log flights made by partners to analyze usage, map flights, and more, and quickly share aircraft information with your A&P, so you can both save time.

FlightLink

For the first time ever, FlightLink offers an invitation-only air pooling platform that allows like-minded travelers to connect, fly privately and affordably, and travel with ease. All that is managed by your personal aviation concierge that manages the details.

This aerospace startup developed the world’s first vetted air pooling platform, which allows members to self-coordinate shared private flights in compliance with aviation regulations. Furthermore, they offer a powerful suite of proprietary benefits for aircraft owners, charter customers, jet card and fractional members, and even commercial flyers interested in more affordable private aviation.

Aeroflux Braking Systems

Aeroflux Braking Systems is an aerospace startup developing wear-free magnetic aircraft brakes for business, commuter, and commercial aircraft. Knowing that conventional multiple-disc carbon brakes rely on friction to stop an aircraft and the fact that they need constant replacement, Aeroflux developed brakes with the principle of eddy current braking to stop an aircraft without friction, and therefore without wear.

Aeroflux’s proprietary multi-directional electromagnetic array creates a very specific magnetic field distribution across the disc, therefore it offers superior performance to existing eddy current brakes of equal volume and weight.

Dragonfly Aerospace

Dragonfly Aerospace secured the spot in the best aerospace startups list by developing compact high-performance imaging satellites and payloads with a wide range of spectrums. Every team member has worked on every microsatellite space mission since South Africa entered the space race, and this is the latest chapter in a proud history of South African space engineering and space missions.

They create imager products that can be used in modern CubeSat or microsatellite platforms to create compact high-performance satellite solutions, and they manufacture satellite buses to deliver electro-optical and SAR payloads. With excellent vision, agility, and stability, this aerospace startup is significantly improving the aerospace industry.

Deimos-One

Deimos-One is a promising aerospace startup that designs and develops advanced multi-use rockets and tactical ground robotic systems. Their mission is to shape the future by building an interplanetary pathway between earth and space.

By combining artificial intelligence, autonomous robotics, and machine learning, Deimos-One is redefining what it means to be cutting edge. They are motivated by challenges to solve problems never solved before. And to achieve all that, they have leadership comprised of seasoned veterans and experts from the world’s most renowned aerospace, technology, and data science companies.

ienai SPACE

ienai SPACE developed one-of-a-kind propulsion systems for space missions and software tools to plan your satellite’s propulsive maneuvers. This aerospace startup is focusing on the next generation of small satellites, constellations, and space debris mitigation.

Thus, they’ve developed the world’s first fully customizable onboard electric propulsion system, based on electrospray technology. That being the case, their thrusters can be tailored to the requirements and constraints of any mission and platform. The end product is uniquely engineered to meet the challenges of pushing your spacecraft further, for longer.

BlackSky Global

Being aware that speed combined with actionable insights can change everything, BlackSky Global developed an analytics platform – Spectra AI. The platform can give you deep awareness from their satellite constellation, a comprehensive collection of sensors, signals, and other critical data feeds.

This aerospace startup monitors activities and facilities worldwide by harnessing the world’s emerging sensor networks and leveraging its own satellite constellation. Furthermore, BlackSky monitors for pattern-of-life anomalies to produce alerts and enhance situational awareness.

BirdsEyeView Technologies

BirdsEyeView Technologies does a fascinating job harnessing the satellite data to structure parametric solutions for climate change risks. As a digital-first managing general agent (MGA), BirdsEye View Technologies uses space data to design innovative parametric solutions.

The traditional crop insurance doesn’t work on-site loss adjustments and risk assessments are an accurate result in valuation disagreements delays and payout and make cover expensive. Fortunately, BirdsEye View’s solution harnesses high-resolution satellite imagery to accurately monitor global weather conditions.

Astranis

Founded in 2015, Astranis aims to revolutionize satellite internet economics to make connectivity viable for previously underserved regions. Their production approach strips out unnecessary costs rather than requiring untested bleeding-edge tech.

Major deals with companies like Rakuten Mobile demonstrate the demand for optimized satellite internet capabilities. As Astranis satellites launch, their model unlocks new economies of scale in space—a vision critical for companies to sustainably meet 21st century bandwidth needs.

DroneUpAstranis

Founded in 2016, DroneUp has positioned itself at the forefront of commercial drone integration. Their focus on creating holistic programs tailored to each client’s strategic needs demonstrates how UAVs generate tangible operational value.

Major partnerships with companies like Walmart, American Robotics, and the Commonwealth of Virginia enable transformative use cases with long-term ROI. As drone technology advances, DroneUp as a unique aerospace startup that provides the essential expertise and infrastructure to drive innovation.

Relativity Space

Founded in 2015, Relativity’s vision is fully automated production of rockets on Mars using local resources. On Earth, their additive manufacturing methods increase flexibility, speed, and simplicity of rocket-building and launch.

Relativity already has contracts for launches with Iridium, Telesat, and the US Department of Defense. As their partially 3D printed Terran 1 rocket prepares to debut, Relativity is proving the transformative potential of cutting-edge manufacturing paired with autonomous technologies.

Skydio

Founded in 2014 by MIT engineers, Skydio is a aerospace startup that brought rigorous AI development to the drone space long focused on aviation hardware. Their early Skydio R1 consumer drone showcased unprecedented autonomy through features like auto follow.

Now Skydio is applying their self-flying technology across industries from media to infrastructure. Companies like Apple rely on Skydio drones for 3D mapping work at scale. Skydio also partners with major enterprise UAV distributors.

Kairos Aerospace

Founded by industry pioneers in 2013, Kairos recognizes that drone data’s true value is hard-won through expertise transforming raw data into meaningful solutions. They develop end-to-end data pipelines tailored to clients’ objectives.

With experienced data scientists and FAA approvals to fly at scale, Kairos unlocks the full potential of commercial drones. Their platform demonstrates how airborne data ecosystems generate tangible benefits across the public and private sectors when contextually delivered.

Boom Supersonic

Founded in 2014, Boom is realizing supersonic’s full potential through new technologies and sustainable design. Major industry partners like United Airlines demonstrate growing demand for faster point-to-point travel.

With historic commercial supersonic flights halted since 2003, Boom is resurrecting the capability sustainably.

DJI

Founded in 2006, DJI pioneered user-friendly drones tailored for capturing stunning aerial footage. Their early focus on camera drones fueled growth in both the prosumer and professional markets. DJI has propelled drones from novelty to mainstream tool.

With laser focus on end-user experience, DJI makes drone technology accessible, safe and easy to use. Their ongoing innovation across hardware and software cements dominance in consumer drones while expanding in the commercial sector.

Planet

Founded in 2010 by ex-NASA scientists, Planet realized small satellites could provide more flexible, up-to-date views of Earth versus traditional models. Their massive dataset powers monitoring applications from agriculture to emergency response.

Planet’s imagery offers an unprecedented window into humanity’s changing relationship with nature. As climate threats accelerate, their technology enables near real-time monitoring to support sustainability.

Axiom Space

Founded in 2016, Axiom’s founders saw commercial opportunities in human spaceflight as the ISS nears retirement. NASA selected Axiom in 2020 to build the first commercial ISS module. Targeted for launch by 2024, it will demonstrate end-to-end space station services.

Partners including SpaceX, Boeing and Thales Alenia Space enable Axiom to leverage proven systems for commercial space station innovation. Their development expands humanity’s presence in space for decades to come.

Volocopter

Founded in 2011, Volocopter has rapidly validated their air taxi model through partnerships, test flights in actual cities like Singapore, and licensing by transportation agencies. Investors include automobile companies like Daimler seeking to shape the coming mobility revolution.

Major commercial launch contracts with partners like Geely in China reinforce confidence in Volocopter air taxis soon offering a new dimension to mobility.

What all these aerospace startups have in common

Regardless of the type of aerospace startup, all founders are united by a persistent, almost unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Whether procured via trial and error, squirreled away in some technical journal, or sifted through stacks of conference proceedings, the right data at the right time can make all the difference between success and failure.

 

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