7 Aerospace Startups To Watch In The US

A recent shift in the US has seen new startups challenging the traditional models of space exploration and aviation. These companies are driving significant changes in the aerospace sector, traditionally dominated by government agencies and established contractors.

The US aerospace industry has experienced substantial innovation, with startups exploring areas such as 3D-printed rockets, space debris removal, and autonomous drone logistics. Key developments include the use of micro-geostationary satellites to deliver broadband, a service previously provided only by traditional GEO satellites. Additionally, startups are focusing on sustainable space operations, including spacecraft designed to track space debris and remove obsolete satellites.

Based in Los Angeles, Relativity Space utilizes 3D printing technology to manufacture rockets, significantly reducing part count and production time. Their initial launch vehicle, Terran 1, demonstrated the use of 3D-printed components. The company's upcoming project, Terran R, is a larger, partially reusable rocket designed to carry satellites and potential crew into orbit. Relativity Space has secured significant funding, including a $500 million Series D round and a $650 million round led by Fidelity Investments, resulting in a $4.2 billion valuation.

Astranis specializes in smaller, cost-efficient communication satellites operating in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,000 km above Earth. These satellites provide broadband Internet to underserved regions and are more economical and quicker to deploy than traditional satellites. Astranis has multiple satellites in orbit with further launches planned. In 2024, the company raised $200 million in a Series D round, bringing their total capital to $750 million, with a projected valuation exceeding $2 billion.

Turion Space is focused on sustainability, space domain awareness, and orbital debris removal. The company's autonomous "Droid" spacecraft monitors space objects, services satellites, and de-orbits space debris to prevent collisions. Turion Space has raised approximately $6.3 million in seed funding through Y Combinator and secured a $32.6 million contract with the US Space Force for surveillance satellites.

Wardstone, a startup established in the previous year, is developing satellites capable of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic missiles from orbit. These defense satellites are equipped with advanced sensors and interceptors for global threat neutralization. The company has completed ground-based interceptor demonstrations and is collaborating with the US Space Force and Air Force research groups.

Firefly Aerospace, headquartered in Texas, focuses on developing small to medium-lift rockets and spacecraft, targeting both commercial and government markets. In 2025, Firefly successfully delivered the Blue Ghost lunar lander, marking one of the first private lunar landings. The company raised $868 million through an IPO, achieving a valuation of $6.32 billion, with prior private funding rounds valuing it at over $2 billion.

Flexjet, a leader in private jet aviation, has transformed the aviation experience for corporate and high-net-worth clients through advanced aircraft and premium services. Although not focused on space exploration, Flexjet exemplifies innovation in aerospace, particularly in human travel. In 2025, the company completed an $800 million equity investment round, valuing it at approximately $4 billion.

Skyways, based in Austin, Texas, develops long-range, heavy-payload autonomous drones designed for deployment in areas inaccessible to traditional helicopters and delivery systems. These drones offer vertical takeoff and fixed-wing cruising capabilities, allowing them to carry substantial payloads for over 20-hour missions. Skyways' technology is applied in humanitarian supply delivery, defense operations, and remote logistics.

Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.