The rocket manufacturing industry in the US is a vibrant arena where innovation and technology converge to enable space exploration and satellite deployment. Companies range from well-established giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin to dynamic startups such as Relativity Space that push the envelope with 3D printing and reusable launch systems. With the surge in demand for satellites, driven by advances in communications and Earth observation, the industry is poised for growth. Recent trends, like developments in small satellite launch services, indicate that the future will see even more players and more creative solutions to the challenges of space.

This list highlights prominent investors in the US rocket manufacturing sector, featuring a mix of venture capital firms and corporate giants. With 14 investors, their headquarters span major cities like San Francisco, Washington D.C., and New York. These investors range in size, from small firms with just a handful of employees to large corporations boasting tens of thousands. Founded between 1912 and 2023, these entities have collectively executed over 100 investment deals in 2024, showcasing their commitment to advancing space technology and supporting growth in this key industry.

Top 14 Rocket Manufacturing Investors in the US

1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Website: energy.gov
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1977
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 597
• LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In 2024, the DOE has been active in providing grants to several companies in the rocket manufacturing sector, including TGV Rockets, which raised $199,979, and Orbital Composites, which secured $2,000,000. Additionally, the DOE has supported projects at NASA Stennis Space Center and Eta Space, further demonstrating its engagement in the rocket manufacturing context. These transactions highlight the DOE's role in fostering innovation and development in technologies that are crucial for space exploration and rocket manufacturing.

2. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in rocket manufacturing companies such as Relativity Space, which raised $140 million in Series C funding in October 2019, $35 million in Series B funding in March 2018, and additional funding in earlier rounds. Furthermore, Y Combinator has also invested in Stoke Space, which raised $260 million in Series C funding in January 2025. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's active role in the rocket manufacturing sector, supporting innovative companies that are pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology.

3. NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• Website: nasa.gov
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 24
• LinkedIn: nasa

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a public entity focused on civil space programs and aeronautics research, founded in 1958. NASA conducts space exploration missions, supports the International Space Station, and develops advanced spacecraft. In recent years, NASA has been actively involved in the rocket manufacturing sector, providing grants and contracts to key players in the industry. Notably, NASA awarded Blue Origin $130 million in grants in December 2021 and $13 million in August 2018, and similarly supported SpaceX with grants totaling $69.95 million in April 2022 and $3 million in October 2019. Additionally, NASA finalized a $3.2 billion contract with Boeing to manufacture core and upper stages for the Space Launch System (SLS) rockets, which are crucial for future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. This involvement highlights NASA's commitment to advancing rocket manufacturing capabilities and supporting the growth of the aerospace industry.

4. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The firm provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has made significant investments in the rocket manufacturing sector, including a $100 million investment in Ursa Major during its Series D round in April 2023, as well as earlier investments in the same company during its Series B rounds in September 2021 and October 2020. Additionally, the fund participated in a $70 million Series B round for Vector Launch in October 2018. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the rocket manufacturing industry.

5. Starburst

• Website: starburst.aero
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: starburst-aerospace-accelerator

Starburst is a consulting firm founded in 2012, based in El Segundo, California, specializing in the aerospace and defense sectors. They provide startup acceleration, strategy consulting, and venture investments to help clients navigate the complexities of these industries. Starburst has been involved in several notable transactions in the rocket manufacturing context, including investments in companies like Launcher, which focuses on developing small satellite launch vehicles, and Sirius Space Services, which is working on innovative space solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Morpheus Space, known for its propulsion systems, and Momentus, which is developing in-space transportation services. These investments highlight Starburst's commitment to fostering innovation in the aerospace sector, particularly in rocket manufacturing.

6. Lockheed Martin

• Website: lockheedmartin.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1912
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn: lockheed-martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation, founded in 1912 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, is a leading defense contractor specializing in aerospace and military technologies. The company provides advanced solutions to government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign governments, focusing on enhancing national security through innovative products like the F-35 and various missile systems. In recent years, Lockheed Martin has made strategic investments in the rocket manufacturing sector, including a $49 million investment in ABL Space Systems in 2020 and a $100 million investment in Terran Orbital in 2022. Additionally, they have announced a definitive agreement to acquire Terran Orbital for approximately $450 million, which is expected to close in Q4 2024. These transactions highlight Lockheed Martin's commitment to expanding its capabilities in satellite and rocket manufacturing, making them a relevant investor in this field.

7. Space Capital

• Website: spacecapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: spacecapital

Space Capital is a venture capital fund based in New York, founded in 2012, that focuses on early-stage investments in space technology companies. They provide capital and strategic support to startups in the space sector, aiming to unlock the value in space technology stacks. Notably, Space Capital has made significant investments in leading rocket manufacturers such as SpaceX, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $535 million private equity round in May 2019 and a $486 million Series J round in December 2018. Additionally, they have invested in Vector Launch, contributing to their Series B funding round of $70 million in October 2018, as well as earlier funding rounds. These transactions highlight Space Capital's commitment to fostering innovation in the rocket manufacturing industry and the broader space economy.

8. Liquid 2 Ventures

• Website: liquid2.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 91
• LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has invested in Stoke Space, a company focused on developing reusable rocket technology, participating in multiple funding rounds including a $65 million Series A in December 2021 and earlier seed rounds. Additionally, they have contributed to Momentus, a company that aims to provide in-space transportation services, with investments in both seed and Series A funding rounds. These transactions highlight Liquid 2 Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies in the rocket manufacturing sector.

9. United States Department of Defense

• Website: defense.gov
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1949
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn: deptofdefense

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is a public entity responsible for national security and military operations, founded in 1949. It provides military forces and services to deter war and ensure the safety of the nation. The DoD serves government entities and allied nations, focusing on military readiness and disaster response efforts. In recent years, the DoD has engaged in several transactions relevant to the rocket manufacturing sector, including grants to Northrop Grumman, which raised $72 million in December 2023, and Accion Systems, which secured $3 million in June 2015. Additionally, the DoD provided $3 million to Portal Space Systems in April 2024, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting companies involved in aerospace technologies. These transactions highlight the DoD's role as a significant investor in the rocket manufacturing industry, despite its broader focus on defense and security.

10. Boeing

• Website: boeing.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: boeing

The Boeing Company, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a prominent aerospace manufacturer that designs, manufactures, and sells a diverse range of products, including airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites. With over 10,000 employees, Boeing serves commercial airlines, government agencies, and military organizations, providing innovative solutions for safe and efficient air travel and defense capabilities. In recent years, Boeing has made significant investments in the rocket manufacturing sector, including a $70 million investment in X-Bow Launch Systems in July 2024, which focuses on launch systems. Additionally, Boeing HorizonX Ventures led a $11 million Series B funding round for Accion Systems in February 2020, a company developing thrusters for satellites. Boeing also invested in Virgin Galactic, which raised $20 million in a Post-IPO equity round in October 2019, highlighting their interest in commercial spaceflight. These transactions underscore Boeing's active role in the rocket manufacturing industry.

11. Airbus Ventures

• Website: airbusventures.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: airbus-ventures

Airbus Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2016, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing in deep tech startups, with a strong focus on sectors such as aerospace, autonomous mobility, and advanced materials. Airbus Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of bringing innovative technologies to market. Notably, Airbus Ventures has made significant investments in the rocket manufacturing sector, including a $100 million investment in Astra in 2019, which is focused on developing small satellite launch vehicles. They have also invested in Isar Aerospace, contributing to multiple funding rounds totaling over $166 million, aimed at developing launch vehicles for small satellites. Furthermore, their investment in SpinLaunch, which is creating a novel space catapult system, highlights their commitment to advancing rocket manufacturing technologies. Overall, Airbus Ventures leverages its expertise to foster growth in the technology sector, particularly in aerospace and rocket manufacturing.

12. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

• Website: iqt.org
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 24
• LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups that enhance U.S. national security. IQT collaborates with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions in areas such as software, materials sciences, and aerospace technologies. Notably, IQT has participated in funding rounds for companies like Stoke Space, which is developing reusable rocket technology, and Hermeus, which is focused on advanced aircraft development. These investments highlight IQT's commitment to fostering innovation in the rocket manufacturing sector, making it a significant player in this field.

13. Lux Capital

• Website: luxcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 47
• LinkedIn: lux-capital

Lux Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2000, that specializes in investing in science and technology companies. They provide venture capital investment and advisory services to startups across various innovative sectors, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, Lux Capital has invested in several companies within the rocket manufacturing and space industry, including Relativity Space, which focuses on 3D-printed rockets, and Varda Space Industries, which aims to manufacture pharmaceuticals in orbit. Varda has raised significant funding through multiple rounds, including a Series A and Series B, with Lux Capital participating in these rounds. Additionally, Lux Capital's investment in Impulse Space, which raised $150 million in a Series B round, further demonstrates their commitment to supporting advancements in rocket manufacturing and space exploration.

14. Gaingels

• Website: gaingels.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 60
• LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. In addition to their scholarship programs and advisory services aimed at enhancing board diversity, Gaingels has made notable investments in the rocket manufacturing and space technology sector. Their portfolio includes investments in iRocket, which raised $146,000 in a seed round, and Helicity Space, which secured $5 million in seed funding to advance its proprietary technology. Other relevant transactions include In Orbit Aerospace, which raised $1 million, Turion Space, focused on satellite servicing and space debris removal, and Gravitics, which aims to supply space stations and habitats. These investments highlight Gaingels' commitment to supporting innovative companies in the rocket manufacturing industry.

Rocket Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)	Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)	10001+	1977	597
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration	Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)	10001+	1958	24
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
Starburst	El Segundo, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2012	3
Lockheed Martin	Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)	10001+	1912	19
Space Capital	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1-10	2012	3
Liquid 2 Ventures	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2015	91
United States Department of Defense	Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)	10001+	1949	53
Boeing	Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)	10001+	2002	7
Airbus Ventures	Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2016	8
IQT (In-Q-Tel)	Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)	51-200	1999	24
Lux Capital	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2000	47
Gaingels	Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	60

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