Marcus Richards
The aerospace sector is a global powerhouse, continuously driving technical innovation and economic growth. Some of the most extraordinary and revolutionary innovations have emerged from this sector, and startups are ensuring this trajectory continues. The year 2020, despite its challenges, has seen the inception of many impressive aerospace startups. These companies are not only expanding the boundaries of technology but redefining the very future of air and space travel. This article will highlight some of the top aerospace startups based in the United States that were founded in 2020 or later.
The startups selected in this article cover varied areas of the aerospace sector – from manufacturing and air transportation to clean tech and space debris mitigation. Each company is pioneering groundbreaking technologies and systems to address complex challenges. These startups are also attracting significant investments, and this infusion of capital is accelerating the pace of innovation. The future of aerospace rests on companies such as these; bold, innovative, and relentless in their mission to explore new frontiers.
Based out of various locations across the United States, these companies form an integral part of the broader American aerospace sector. These startups exemplify the continuous innovation, diversity and dynamism inherent in this industry. They illustrate why the United States continues to lead the world in aerospace. Without further ado, let us take a closer look at these exceptional startups.
Archer
Based in San Francisco, Archer is an aerospace company developing an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to improve urban mobility. The company aims to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. Archer’s aircraft can carry four passengers for 60 miles at speeds of up to 150mph with minimal noise. The company was co-founded by Adam Goldstein and Brett Adcock.
Universal Hydrogen
Universal Hydrogen, headquartered in Hawthorne, California, is committed to making hydrogen aviation a near-term reality. Founded by Jason Chua, John-Paul Clarke, Jon Gordon, and Paul Eremenko, Universal Hydrogen is building a hydrogen ecosystem for aviation through strategic partnerships and new technologies for hydrogen distribution and propulsion.
Varda
Located in San Francisco, Varda is a space manufacturing start-up that aims to manufacture products in space for terrestrial applications, leveraging the benefits of a low-gravity environment. The company, founded by Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens, plans to harvest source materials for new products in space via asteroid mining.
Venus Aerospace
Venus Aerospace, located in Seal Beach, California, is pushing the boundaries of high-speed transportation. Founded by Andrew Duggleby and Sarah Duggleby, the company shows immense potential in transforming the future of transportation.
Turion Space
Based in Irvine, California, Turion Space assembles, tests, and operates “Droid” spacecraft that remove orbital debris and service operational satellites. Founders Patryk Wiatr, Ryan Westerdahl, and Tyler James Pierce aim to enhance mission capabilities or extend the operational lifetimes of these satellites. Utilizing onboard propulsion systems, the spacecraft either deorbit or change the orbit of the debris object or satellite.
Firehawk Aerospace
Firehawk Aerospace, situated in Dallas, Texas, manufactures rocket engines. Founders Ronald Jones, Steve Edwards, and Will Edwards aim to play a significant role in launching the future of aerospace.
Rogue Space Systems
Rogue Space Systems, based in Laconia, New Hampshire, designs satellite vehicles and subsystems to provide satellite operators with on-orbit services. Jeromy Grimmett, Jon Beam, Michael Halperin, and Michael Pica founded the company after identifying a critical need to establish a standard for these services in support of the New Space Economy.
Buoyant Aero
San Francisco-based Buoyant Aero builds unmanned airships that move middle-mile air freight at half the cost of small planes. Founders Benjamin Claman and Joseph Figura launched the company in 2020 to contribute to the cost-efficient transportation of goods.
Headquartered in Riverside, California, StarNav develops satellite receivers that convert ambient non-GNSS radio signals into positioning information. This technology enables vehicles to operate safely during complete GNSS denial, providing accurate and reliable positioning data.
AeroVect
AeroVect, based in San Francisco, develops autonomous driving platforms for Ground Support Equipment (GSE), ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable airside operations at some of the world’s largest passenger and cargo hubs. Co-founded by Eugenio Donati and Raymond Wang, the company aims to revolutionize how airports manage ground operations.
JetZero
JetZero, located in Long Beach, California, designs and manufactures zero-emission jet aircraft. Founders Mark Page and Tom O’Leary are collaborating with NASA on sustainable aircraft ideas to quickly transition to zero-emission flight.
