Eighteen companies were selected to turn their concepts into revenue-generating products.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- NewSpace New Mexico is excited to announce the first group of space companies participating in NewSpace Ignitor, a new incubator-like program funded in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
The 18 companies selected brought forth innovative concepts aligned with several solution areas identified in the State of the Space Industrial Base report. The novel concepts span space domain awareness, launch services, next-generation power and propulsion, remote sensing and traffic management – all areas identified to strengthen national security and win the new space race.
Companies participating in the program will have opportunities to "level up" their concept readiness levels through a tiered program structure and multiple NewSpace Ignitor teams. Selected companies include:
The Ignitor AAA Team:
- Kall Morris
- Evolution Space
- RS21
- TrustPoint
- Blue Space
- Miles Space
- New Frontier Aerospace
- O Analytics
- Goodman Technologies
The Ignitor AA Team
- Exos Aerospace
- Modal Technology Corporation
- Proof Labs
- The Spaceport Company
- Auriga Space
- Gorilla Link
- TYBRAM
- Lesath International
- Southwest Creek Engineering
The companies have big visions to transform space capabilities and drive prosperity on-planet and off-planet. NewSpace Ignitor will accelerate their progress with access to expert support and specialized resources to help them refine and develop their concepts, improving their ability to compete in the NewSpace economy.
The program will give participating companies opportunities to "level up" their concept readiness levels through TR-elevator® assessments (across technology, manufacturing, integration, business and investment) and taking actions that accelerate product development, funding and sales. Services include market analytics, strategy and scaling curriculum, tailored navigation plans, and customer demonstration opportunities.
Throughout the program companies will engage with the NewSpace Ignitor Expert Network, the NewSpace Alliance, space solution buyers, investors and CEOs of successful space companies. All companies will have access to the Launchpad co-innovation center, which offers access to shared work, collaboration and prototyping spaces, and testing, integration and manufacturing equipment at Launchpad and partner locations.
"We were very impressed with the caliber of the concepts and companies that applied to NewSpace Ignitor," stated Scott Maethner, vice president of operations and integration at NewSpace New Mexico. "Our goal is to help these companies take their concepts to the next level, and ultimately, level up the nation's capabilities in space services, applications and off-planet manufacturing."
Fourteen evaluators from the Expert Network reviewed and selected the first group of companies participating in the program. Evaluators included former senior government space executives, space company executives, space-focused investment companies, and business and technology leaders.
"Scouting promising new technologies that have dual-use purposes for national security and space commercialization is increasingly important to the U.S. government," added Gabe Mounce, deputy director of SpaceWERX. "In concert with our Hyperspace Challenge, and Q-Station Soft Landing Program, the NewSpace Ignitor adds the necessary element to help New Mexico and the nation grow the space industrial base."
"AFRL New Mexico is dedicated to accessing the best innovation available from commercial space companies," added Col. Jeremy Raley, commander of Phillips Research Site and director of AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate. "We anticipate leveraging the NewSpace Ignitor to facilitate access to government expertise and to specialized or expensive equipment that those industry partners would not otherwise be able to utilize."
Applications for NewSpace Ignitor can be submitted at any time. New spots will open up as companies progress through the program, level up their readiness and become NewSpace certified. Companies can apply to NewSpace Ignitor online at newspacenm.org. Applicants will be notified if they are selected.
About NewSpace New Mexico
NewSpace New Mexico is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that is accelerating the pace of space innovation by uniting and igniting the industry. NewSpace New Mexico was established to bring together space stakeholders, promote a universal voice for space leadership, and grow the commercial space innovation base for the benefit of the nation. With extensive experience in commercial, civil and military space and product marketing and sales acceleration, NewSpace New Mexico uses its knowledge and vast network of stakeholder relationships to bring vetted opportunities and hard-to-find resources to the companies that need them. For more information, visit: http://www.newspacenm.org.
About the State of the Space Industrial Base Series
NewSpace New Mexico leads the annual State of the Space Industrial Base conferences with key participants Defense Innovation Unit, United States Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory. Critical actions and recommendations outlined from the working group sessions are summarized in an annual report authored by the key participants, offering a framework for operationalizing solutions and accelerating progress year-over-year. The latest report can be accessed at newspacenm.org.
Media Contact
Erika Hecht, NewSpace New Mexico, 1 505-235-5141, [email protected]
SOURCE NewSpace New Mexico
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