22 Pioneering Rocket Manufacturing Companies Worldwide
22 Pioneering Rocket Manufacturing Companies Worldwide
The rocket manufacturing industry specializes in producing various types of space vehicles, propelling the dream of space exploration into reality. These companies, such as Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and ISRO, manufacture advanced technology products and services like spacecraft, missiles, space transportation, and other defense systems. They extend their expertise to design, development, manufacturing, integration, and operation of these high-tech machines. This industry also plays an instrumental role in satellite launches and space science research. While the space race initially sparked this sector, it has now evolved into an essential aspect of commercial, scientific, and defense sectors. Market analysts predict that as technological capabilities expand in the future, more industries might rely on space-based infrastructure, creating new growth opportunities in this field.
Top 22 Rocket Manufacturing Companies
1. Lockheed Martin
- Website: lockheedmartin.com
- Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- Founded: 1912
- Headcount: 10001+
- Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a wide range of advanced technology products and services. They specialize in the design, development, manufacturing, and integration of cutting-edge aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and other defense systems.
2. SpaceX
- Website: spacex.com
- Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States
- Founded: 2002
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Latest funding type: Private Equity
SpaceX is a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company. It offers advanced rockets and spacecrafts for various missions.
3. Isro
- Website: isro.gov.in
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Founded: 1969
- Headcount: 10001+
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is a prestigious space agency in India. It offers a wide range of programs and advanced space missions. ISRO collaborates with industry partners to leverage their strengths and increase their participation in various programs. ISRO's operations include the development and testing of advanced technology, satellite launches, and space exploration. The company specializes in spacecraft design, development, and operation, as well as research in the field of space science and technology.
4. Sierra Space
- Website: sierraspace.com
- Headquarters: Louisville, Colorado (Co), France
- Founded: 2021
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Latest funding type: Series A
Sierra Space is a commercial space company that is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth. They develop high-performance space components and systems, including rocket engines and propulsion. Sierra Space offers a supportive and upbeat culture where personal contributions have an impact.
5. Beyond Gravity
- Website: beyondgravity.com
- Headcount: 1001-5000
Beyond Gravity is a leading provider of products and services for the aerospace industry. With headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, the company offers a wide range of solutions for satellites and launch vehicles. They combine agility, speed, and innovation with decades of experience, aiming to advance humankind's exploration of the world and beyond. Beyond Gravity is known for its expertise in structures for launch vehicles and satellite products, especially in the New Space sector.
6. Virgin Galactic
- Website: virgingalactic.com
- Headquarters: Tustin, California, United States
- Founded: 2004
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
Virgin Galactic is the world's first commercial spaceline, connecting people to the love, wonder, and awe created by space travel. They offer fully immersive training programs and provide bespoke spacesuits and boots for astronauts. With their feather technology, the spacecraft combines capsule design and winged vehicles. Virgin Galactic believes that space belongs to everyone and aims to inspire others through their astronauts' journeys.
7. Avio
- Website: avio.com
- Headquarters: Colleferro, Roma, Italy
- Founded: 1912
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Latest funding type: Ipo
Avio is a leading company specialized in space propulsion, offering production services for small lift launch vehicles such as Vega and Vega C. They are also involved in the manufacturing of solid rocket motors and upper stages for various European Space Agency (ESA) programs. With a strong presence in Italy, Avio plays a crucial role in designing, manufacturing, and integrating space launch systems and tactical missiles.
8. MT Aerospace AG
- Website: mt-aerospace.de
- Headquarters: Augsburg, Bayern, Germany
- Founded: 1965
- Headcount: 501-1000
MT Aerospace is a leading partner in Europe's space programs, specializing in the development and manufacturing of systems and assemblies for launcher rockets, spacecraft, and satellites. They offer innovative solutions such as large load-bearing structures, booster casings, and cryo and satellite tanks. With a commitment to continuous improvement, they tailor their solutions to meet the specific requirements of their customers.
9. Arrowhead Products
- Website: arrowheadproducts.net
- Headquarters: Los Alamitos, California, United States
- Founded: 1937
- Headcount: 501-1000
Arrowhead Products is a market leader in aerospace ducting systems and rocket propulsion lines. With decades of experience, they specialize in high pressure metallic ducting systems and components. Their state-of-the-art repair and overhaul facility provides extensive capabilities and reduced turnaround time. They offer creative engineering solutions and unmatched product quality for commercial aviation, defense, and space products.
10. ABL Space Systems
- Website: ablspacesystems.com
- Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States
- Founded: 2017
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Series B
ABL Space Systems is an American company that specializes in the manufacturing and assembly of rocket engines and launch systems. They utilize both traditional and additive manufacturing techniques, allowing for a purpose-built approach to create highly efficient and reliable engines. With a focus on simplicity and rapid manufacturing, ABL Space Systems offers cost-effective solutions to meet the needs of their customers.
11. Ursa Major
- Website: ursamajor.com
- Headquarters: Berthoud, Colorado, United States
- Founded: 2015
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Series C
Ursa Major Technologies is a company that specializes in the development and production of innovative propulsion systems for space launch, hypersonics, and national security. They provide expertly crafted engines and propellants that are crucial for successful aerospace missions.
12. PLD Space
- Website: pldspace.com
- Headquarters: Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Founded: 2011
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Series B
PLD Space is a company that specializes in aerospace technology and offers a range of products and services. They are known for their expertise in rocket propulsion systems and spacecraft design. With a focus on innovation and quality, PLD Space is dedicated to advancing the field of space exploration.
13. Gilmour Space Technologies
- Website: gspacetech.com
- Headquarters: Helensvale, Queensland, Australia
- Founded: 2013
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Grant
Gilmour Space Technologies is an Australian New Space company that specializes in the manufacturing of launch vehicles and satellite platforms. Backed by prominent investors, the company is on track to launch their Australian-made Eris rockets and G-class satellite platforms into Low Earth Orbits (LEO) from 2023.
14. Launcher
- Website: launcherspace.com
- Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States
- Founded: 2017
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Acquired
LauncherSpace.com is a company that develops and offers the world's most efficient rockets and transfer vehicles to deliver small satellites to orbit. They combine the cost-effective economics of large rocket rideshare with the flexibility of a dedicated launch service.
15. Masten Space Systems
- Website: masten.aero
- Headquarters: Mojave, California, United States
- Founded: 2004
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Acquired
Masten Space Systems is a company specializing in reusable vehicles for space exploration. They offer terrestrial landers and rocket engine technology for various applications in the space industry.
16. University of Florida Liquid Propulsion Development Team
- Website: liquidprop.org
- Founded: 2016
- Headcount: 51-200
UF Liquid Propulsion is a company specializing in liquid propulsion systems. They offer cutting-edge technology and solutions for various industries such as aerospace, defense, and space exploration. Their expertise lies in designing, manufacturing, and testing liquid propulsion engines.
17. SETS - Space Electric Thruster Systems
- Website: sets.space
- Headquarters: Dnipro, Kyyiv, Ukraine
- Founded: 2016
- Headcount: 11-50
SETS is a space propulsion company that develops and manufactures electric propulsion systems for spacecraft. Their team of experts designs, tests, and produces components such as Hall Thrusters, Xenon Storage and Feed System, Power Processing Unit, and Automatic Control System.
18. Bradford ECAPS
- Website: ecaps.space
- Founded: 2000
- Headcount: 11-50
ECAPS.space is a company specializing in high-performance green propulsion technology. They design and provide complete propulsion systems tailored to meet customer-specific requirements. ECAPS takes care of the entire design and assembly process, providing all necessary components for the system. Their extensive range of products includes HPGP thrusters in various sizes, from 100mN to 200N. They have a proven track record in the space industry and offer increased performance and reduced mission costs compared to traditional propulsion systems.
19. Pulsar Fusion
- Website: pulsarfusion.com
- Headquarters: Bletchley, England, United Kingdom
- Founded: 2014
- Headcount: 51-200
Pulsar Fusion is a UK-based green rocket company that delivers operational and functional propulsion systems for in-space travel. They offer hybrid and HDPE engines and are developing liquid hydrogen engines for future fusion propulsion. Pulsar Fusion partners with organizations and provides solutions for interstellar space travel.
20. SpaceRyde
- Website: spaceryde.com
- Headquarters: Concord, Ontario, Canada
- Founded: 2018
- Headcount: 11-50
- Latest funding type: Seed
SpaceRyde is a company that is building a network of rockets to provide on-demand cargo transportation in space. Their mission is to eliminate the bottleneck of space innovation by offering regular, convenient, and affordable transportation from Earth to the Moon and everywhere in between.
21. MTAR Technologies Limited
- Website: mtar.in
- Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Founded: 1970
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Latest funding type: Ipo
MTAR is a leading engineering company with expertise in multiple business segments including Civilian Nuclear Power, Space, Defence & Aerospace, Clean Energy, and Marine. They offer specialized services such as advanced machining, fabrication, assembly and testing, and surface treatment. With exceptional engineering capabilities, they cater to a wide range of clients and have a strong focus on manufacturing precision components and assemblies for various industries. Their contributions to Indian nuclear power, space exploration, and defense sectors have been significant.
22. VSSC - Indian Space Research Organization
- Website: vssc.gov.in
- Headquarters: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Founded: 1963
- Headcount: 501-1000
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is a government organization involved in various projects related to space research and technology. They specialize in the development and realization of DC-DC converter packages, cooling tower fan motors, telemetry tracking systems, and other electronic and mechanical components for the aerospace industry.
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