Austin is home to a bunch of big-name aerospace companies that are shaking up space tech. You’ll find everything from rocket builders to satellite comms and even lunar construction startups here.
These companies tackle all sorts of things—launch services, orbital infrastructure, and the wild idea of living off-Earth someday.
Firefly Aerospace works out of Cedar Park, just north of Austin, and builds small-lift launch vehicles for getting satellites into orbit. They’re betting big on the booming market for small satellite launches with their Alpha rocket.
Alpha stands 95 feet tall and can haul up to 2,200 pounds to low Earth orbit. That’s perfect for Earth observation, communications, and research missions.
Key Specifications:
Firefly nailed its first orbital launch in 2022. They’ve landed contracts with both private companies and government agencies.
Their Cedar Park site is where most of the Alpha rockets get built. Being close to Austin gives them access to skilled aerospace folks and the area’s tech scene.
SpaceX has set up a strong presence in Austin as it branches out from its main Starbase in South Texas. Here, engineering teams and admin staff help drive Starship development.
Elon Musk even moved Twitter’s operations to Texas, bringing in more tech talent. That move has tied SpaceX’s Austin operations more closely to the local tech crowd.
Austin’s SpaceX teams contribute to Starship, the massive rocket meant for Mars and moon missions. Engineers in town handle software systems and mission planning for future flights.
SpaceX also uses Austin to recruit engineers. With local universities and a growing tech industry, there’s no shortage of qualified people for tough aerospace work.
Austin Operations Focus:
CesiumAstro builds advanced comms systems for satellites and spacecraft right from their Austin HQ. They specialize in phased array antennas and radio frequency gear for next-gen satellites.
These systems let satellites send high-speed data back and forth with ground stations. CesiumAstro’s tech supports everything from Earth observation to deep space missions.
Their phased array antennas steer beams electronically, no moving parts needed. That makes satellites more reliable and less complex than old-school mechanical setups.
Technology Applications:
CesiumAstro has pulled in solid venture funding to ramp up manufacturing. They work with both commercial satellite players and government agencies that need secure communications.
ICON develops 3D printing tech for construction, both on Earth and in space. They’ve teamed up with NASA to build systems for lunar missions.
Their lunar project aims to use local materials to build on the moon. That means less stuff to haul up from Earth, which sounds like a smart move.
ICON’s Olympia system turns lunar regolith into building materials using 3D printing. This could make permanent bases on the moon a real possibility.
Lunar Construction Capabilities:
NASA picked ICON for lunar construction research under the Artemis program. Their technology could help make a long-term human presence on the moon possible by using what’s already there.
Austin’s space sector is growing fast, with over 12,000 people working in aerospace and aviation. The Texas Space Commission, set up in 2024, gives regulatory support that draws commercial space companies to the area.
Central Texas companies build all sorts of space technologies—rockets, satellites, even 3D printers for lunar construction. The region zeroes in on small satellites, launch services, and spacecraft components.
Austin gets a big boost from The University of Texas’s top-tier aerospace engineering programs. Add in the city’s startup culture and you’ve got a hotbed for space startups.
Key Industry Focus Areas:
Pulsar Fusion picked Austin for its U.S. headquarters, where they’re working on nuclear fusion engines for space travel. They hope to test these in orbit by 2027.
The space industry brings a lot of economic value to Austin. Over 176,000 workers are part of the wider tech ecosystem that supports space companies.
Austin’s workforce pulls talent from all sorts of tech fields. Folks with experience in cloud computing, big data, or mobile tech often find a place in space roles.
The University of Texas offers research centers and advanced computing, giving companies access to talent and infrastructure for space projects.
Workforce Advantages:
The space economy blends right into Austin’s tech scene. Companies mix satellite tech with internet services and data processing.
Austin acts as a command center for space operations. IBM’s Space Tech CTO even predicts the city will be a major space innovation hub soon.
Cloud computing, big data, and space tech come together here to create new business models. Austin companies are quick to develop software for space applications.
The collaborative tech scene in Austin helps space companies thrive. Good quality of life draws talent, and the business climate encourages fast growth.
Austin’s space companies keep pushing boundaries with new tech for exploring and building in space. ICON is making 3-D printing systems for lunar construction, while others work on better satellite comms and spacecraft parts.
ICON is at the front of Austin’s space construction push with Project Olympus. They’re developing robots that can build on the moon using what’s already there.
NASA gave ICON funding to build the Olympus Construction System. This tech could let us build homes and facilities on the moon without hauling stuff from Earth.
ICON’s 3-D printing methods, first used for Austin houses, now get adapted for space. Their aerospace team focuses on materials tough enough for extreme space conditions.
Key Project Olympus Features:
CEO Jason Ballard calls lunar construction “the most ambitious building project in human history.” Honestly, it might be.
CesiumAstro is changing how spacecraft talk with advanced satellite systems. The Austin company has raised over $14 million to develop communication platforms for satellites and launch vehicles.
They launched their first two satellites in 2021. These test new wireless comms and sensor tech in orbit.
CesiumAstro’s satellites act as testbeds for new comms methods. Government and commercial partners can try out their own gear in space.
Founder Shey Sabripour sees big changes in connected mobility over the next decade. Their satellites will help Earth and spacecraft stay in touch.
The satellites run experiments over several months. This research is already improving comms for future space missions and commercial flights.
Firefly Aerospace designs complete spacecraft systems—from rockets to lunar landers. Their Blue Ghost lunar lander just passed NASA’s critical design review for moon missions.
Blue Ghost carries ten NASA payloads and commercial gear to the moon. Firefly plans to launch lunar missions every year, starting with their first landing attempt.
HyperSciences is working on hypersonic tech that powers engines at five times the speed of sound. They want to replace traditional rocket first stages with these systems.
Slingshot Aerospace builds simulation tools to train space operators and engineers. The US Space Force uses their software to prep the next wave of space professionals.
These Austin companies are making space travel safer and more reliable. Their research moves both commercial space tourism and government programs forward.
Austin is headquarters for several rocket companies building small and medium-lift launch vehicles for commercial and government missions. These teams focus on responsive launch and cheaper, faster ways to get to orbit.
Austin’s got a handful of new rocket companies targeting the small satellite market. These providers offer dedicated launches for payloads under 2,000 kilograms.
The city’s aerospace ecosystem helps out with specialized manufacturing and testing sites. Many use the nearby rural areas for engine testing and putting rockets together.
Small launch providers here benefit from Texas’s business-friendly climate and skilled workers. The state offers tax breaks for aerospace manufacturing and keeps testing rules pretty light.
Most of these companies use modern manufacturing like 3D printing and automated assembly. Their rockets aim for sun-synchronous and low Earth orbits—favorites of commercial satellite companies.
Firefly Aerospace runs a 200-acre production facility in Briggs, Texas, just outside Cedar Park. They build the Alpha rocket for small satellite launches and team up with Northrop Grumman on a medium-lift vehicle.
Alpha is 29 meters tall and can carry up to 1,170 kilograms to low Earth orbit. The rocket uses Reaver engines with RP-1 fuel and liquid oxygen. Firefly pulled off its first successful orbital launch in 2022.
They’re aiming for a launch every two months with Alpha. Current contracts include U.S. Space Force missions and NASA’s Venture-Class Launch Services program.
Their Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV) project with Northrop Grumman targets the 8,000-kilogram payload class. First launch is set for 2025 and will serve both government and commercial customers who need more capacity than small rockets can offer.
SpaceX runs major operations in the Austin area to support Starship at the Starbase facility in Boca Chica.
The massive Starship vehicle is the company’s next-generation launch system for deep space missions.
Starship stands 50 meters tall and, when combined with a Super Heavy booster, forms a 120-meter launch system.
SpaceX aims for the vehicle to carry 100-150 metric tons to low Earth orbit with full reusability.
The Austin region also gets a boost from SpaceX’s Starlink operations and engineering teams.
Local facilities handle satellite production and mission operations for the global internet constellation.
SpaceX regularly launches Starship test flights from Texas.
These flights push forward propulsion, flight controls, and landing capabilities needed for future lunar and Mars missions.
Austin companies are right in the thick of developing advanced satellite networks and communication tech that link spacecraft with ground teams.
CesiumAstro and other local players create hardware and systems for real-time data transmission between satellites and Earth-based control centers.
CesiumAstro leads the way in satellite communication with its phased array technology.
This Austin-based company has pulled in $167 million from major investors like Airbus Ventures and Kleiner Perkins.
They build hardware for satellite communications that works on space-based satellites, airborne vehicles, and ground stations.
Their tech tackles the toughest part of satellite operations—keeping a reliable link between spacecraft and mission control.
CesiumAstro launched its first two-satellite system on an Atlas V rocket.
That milestone really put Austin’s space tech sector on the map.
Key technical capabilities include:
Austin’s space communication scene isn’t just about the big names.
A bunch of startups here develop specialized tech for satellite operations and data transmission.
These companies design communication systems for all sorts of spacecraft.
Their products support satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and launch vehicles.
Austin’s tech ecosystem gives these startups access to skilled engineers, venture capital, and aerospace partnerships.
A lot of their work centers on boosting data transmission rates.
They’re also working on cutting communication delays between satellites and ground stations.
Competition in this space sparks rapid innovation.
Austin companies push to deliver more reliable and faster satellite communication solutions.
Satellite communication systems serve private companies and government agencies alike.
Commercial uses include telecommunications, Earth observation, and navigation services.
Government contracts give Austin companies steady revenue.
These projects often tie into national security and defense.
CesiumAstro plans to open an advanced satellite manufacturing facility in nearby Bee Cave.
Texas invested $10 million to help make this expansion happen.
The new facility will produce next-generation spacecraft hardware.
This move positions Austin as a major hub for satellite production.
Primary market applications:
Fortune 100 companies count on satellite tech developed in Austin.
These systems power global communications—even in polar regions and at sea.
Austin’s space companies get involved in human space missions with advanced tech and direct partnerships with federal agencies.
These collaborations stretch from lunar mission planning to astronaut training systems.
Austin companies build key systems for human space flight.
Firefly Aerospace is developing the Blue Ghost lunar lander to deliver crew support equipment to the moon.
They plan annual lunar missions starting in 2023.
ICON creates construction systems for building habitats on the moon through Project Olympus.
Their technology aims to help astronauts set up permanent bases during future lunar missions.
CEO Jason Ballard even calls this “mankind’s first homeland on another world.”
Slingshot Aerospace offers simulation tools to train space operators and engineers.
Their software teaches complex space operations visually, prepping the next generation of human space flight pros.
These companies focus on making space more accessible for people.
They work on the infrastructure needed for long-term exploration and settlement.
Austin space companies team up with NASA and Space Force on human space flight programs.
Firefly Aerospace finished NASA’s critical design review for lunar missions.
Their Blue Ghost lander will carry ten NASA payloads to support future crewed missions.
ICON received NASA funding to develop lunar construction systems.
Their partnership helps NASA plan for permanent moon bases.
The technology fits into NASA’s goal to return humans to the moon.
Slingshot Aerospace holds contracts with both NASA and Space Force.
They provide training simulations for space operators managing human space flight missions.
The company recently opened these tools up for commercial astronaut training, too.
These partnerships put Austin at the heart of America’s human space exploration efforts.
Local companies deliver essential tech for NASA’s moon programs and Space Force operations.
Austin-based ICON leads the charge in space construction tech with its 3D printing systems designed for lunar and planetary environments.
The company landed nearly $60 million in NASA contracts to build humanity’s first off-world construction capabilities.
ICON is shaking up space construction with Project Olympus, a system for building infrastructure on the Moon and Mars.
They’ve adapted their Earth-based Vulcan 3D printing technology for space, using local planetary materials.
Lavacrete, ICON’s signature material, now works with lunar regolith and Martian soil.
This approach means they don’t have to ship heavy building materials from Earth, which should cut mission costs quite a bit.
ICON already delivered the world’s first 3D-printed lunar launch and landing pad to NASA.
They also created Mars Dune Alpha, a simulated Mars habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.
ICON plans to test its systems in lunar gravity simulation flights.
They work with Apollo mission lunar samples and regolith simulants to see how their materials behave in space.
NASA gave ICON a $57.2 million Phase III SBIR contract to develop lunar surface construction systems.
This funding builds on earlier NASA and Department of Defense investments in space construction tech.
The contract helps NASA’s Artemis program work toward sustainable Moon exploration.
ICON’s tech will create landing pads, blast shields, and roads needed for long-term lunar missions.
NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate sees ICON as a game-changer for off-world construction.
Their partnership aims to lay the groundwork for a sustainable lunar economy and, eventually, permanent habitation.
ICON also landed a subcontract through Jacobs for NASA’s CHAPEA program, showing their growing role in space exploration.
Austin’s space companies rely on advanced command centers that monitor missions in real time and on specialized services that keep spacecraft running once they’re in orbit.
These ground-based and space-based systems form the backbone of safe, reliable commercial space travel.
Austin space companies run sophisticated mission control centers that track spacecraft from launch to landing.
These centers use multiple communication networks to stay in touch with vehicles moving at 17,500 miles per hour around Earth.
SpaceX keeps its main mission control in Hawthorne, but Austin-based teams manage Starlink satellite operations.
The Austin team coordinates with ground stations across Texas to handle the internet satellite constellation.
Firefly Aerospace built its mission control center in Austin to support Alpha rocket launches from California.
The facility includes:
Mission controllers in Austin work 24-hour shifts during active launches.
They monitor spacecraft health, track orbits, and coordinate with NASA when needed.
The command centers also handle space transportation logistics.
Teams plan flight paths, calculate fuel needs, and schedule launches based on weather and orbital mechanics.
Austin companies deliver key support services for spacecraft after they reach orbit.
These in-space services keep satellites running and extend their missions beyond what was originally planned.
Several Austin firms focus on satellite servicing tech.
They develop robotic systems to refuel satellites, replace damaged parts, and move spacecraft to new orbits.
Roci Technologies makes specialized components for space-based maintenance systems.
Their parts help build tools for orbital repairs and satellite life extension.
Austin’s space companies also work on debris removal services.
Old satellites and rocket parts create hazards for active spacecraft.
Austin teams design systems to capture space junk and dispose of it safely.
These maintenance capabilities help the commercial space industry grow.
Satellite operators can extend billion-dollar missions by years instead of replacing entire spacecraft when something breaks.
Austin’s space sector leans on a skilled workforce built by top university programs and creative STEM training initiatives.
The University of Texas at Austin leads the way with a highly ranked aerospace engineering program that feeds directly into local space companies.
The University of Texas at Austin runs one of the nation’s top 10 aerospace engineering programs.
This program is the main talent source for Austin’s fast-growing space sector.
The aerospace department focuses on spacecraft design, propulsion, and satellite tech.
Students get hands-on experience through research projects that match industry needs.
Companies like Firefly Aerospace, Slingshot Aerospace, and Cesium Astro actively recruit from UT’s aerospace program.
These partnerships create internships and direct career paths for graduates.
Key program strengths include:
The university’s research efforts support Austin space companies with technology development and testing.
Students work on real projects for companies building rockets, satellites, and exploration systems.
Austin’s space workforce development doesn’t just stick to traditional university programs—it stretches into focused STEM initiatives. A bunch of organizations are out there building skills for students and adults at every education level.
The Space Workforce Incubator for Texas popped up as a nonprofit with a mission: train skilled workers for the state’s growing space economy. Based right in Austin, they design training programs for professionals who want to jump into space industry careers.
Austin Community College is busy building manufacturing talent pipelines that feed directly into space companies. They shape their curriculum around what aerospace manufacturing and semiconductor production actually need.
Training focus areas include:
K-12 programs are out there sparking excitement for future space workers using hands-on science education. Groups like DreamScopes bring space science programs straight to Texas classrooms, getting kids interested in aerospace careers early on.
The region’s got more than 400,000 students within a 100-mile radius, spread across 25 universities and colleges. That means companies in Austin can tap into a huge, diverse pool of talent—think engineering, software development, and manufacturing skills.
Austin’s space companies really thrive thanks to strategic alliances with government agencies and commercial partners. These collaborations cover everything from NASA’s commercial crew programs to Space Force projects, helping build a strong ecosystem for innovation.
NASA teams up with Austin-based space companies through Space Act Agreements. These deals offer both funded and unfunded collaboration across a bunch of partnership models.
The University of Texas at Austin leads several research efforts with federal backing. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research funds projects focused on cislunar space monitoring and autonomous space domain awareness. UT Austin faculty work side-by-side with Space Force to develop next-generation surveillance capabilities beyond Earth’s orbit.
Kayhan Space shows what strong government collaboration can look like. They picked up awards with Astroscale U.S. and UT Austin for building spaceflight safety software. Their platform lets satellite operators and government agencies work together in real time.
NASA’s commercial space capabilities program includes a handful of Austin companies. These partnerships push low Earth orbit economy goals and back human spaceflight missions. NASA gives these companies access to expertise, testing facilities, and technical advice.
SpaceX keeps close ties with Austin’s aerospace community through UT Austin partnerships. They work together on propulsion systems research, advanced materials, and reusable rocket tech.
ICON is a good example of cross-sector collaboration. They work with the Texas Military Department on 3D printed military barracks, while also pushing forward space construction projects. Their experience with building materials is directly useful for space habitat development.
Austin companies often work with international partners and commercial players. Pulsar Fusion picked Austin for its U.S. headquarters, bringing UK-based nuclear fusion engine tech stateside. They plan to test their engines in space by 2027, teaming up with American aerospace partners.
Research institutions help make a lot of these commercial partnerships happen. UT Austin’s Radionavigation Lab works with several companies studying Starlink signal applications. Their research could open up new options for navigation systems that go beyond regular GPS.
The Texas Military Department supports the space industry with state funding and partnership opportunities. These collaborations boost both commercial space capabilities and defense applications.
Austin’s space industry owes a lot to visionary leaders who have shaped both local companies and the wider commercial space sector. Elon Musk has turned the city into a major space hub, while folks like Tom Markusic have started rocket companies from scratch.
Elon Musk put Austin on the map for space innovation by leading SpaceX and moving operations to Texas. His company runs major facilities here and has brought a ton of attention to Austin’s aerospace scene.
The Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, serves as SpaceX’s main development and launch site for the Starship program. This huge project has created thousands of jobs and drawn other space companies to the area.
Musk’s influence goes further than just his own operations. His high-profile presence in Austin has attracted venture capital, engineering talent, and supplier companies. Plenty of space startups point to his success as a reason for choosing Austin.
The Tesla CEO’s approach—rapid prototyping and vertical integration—has become a model for other Austin space companies. His focus on cost reduction and reusable rockets really pushed the industry toward more efficient practices.
Tom Markusic started Firefly Aerospace and built it into one of Austin’s top space ventures. His leadership guided the company through various rocket development programs and landed big contracts with NASA and commercial clients.
Under Markusic, Firefly built the Alpha rocket for small satellite launches and the Blue Ghost lunar lander for moon missions. The company pulled off a successful Alpha launch and won several NASA contracts for lunar payload delivery.
Markusic brings a ton of industry experience from places like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic. His background in propulsion systems has been key for Firefly’s rocket engine development.
The company now employs hundreds of people in Austin and runs a major manufacturing facility. Firefly’s rise under Markusic has helped put Austin on the map as a real alternative to aerospace hubs like Los Angeles and Huntsville.
Austin’s space sector includes companies developing all kinds of spacecraft, from small satellite launchers to debris removal systems. Major contractors and specialized startups operate across the region, supporting both commercial and government space programs.
Firefly Aerospace focuses on small-lift launch vehicles that deliver payloads to low Earth orbit. They build the Alpha rocket, which carries up to 1,170 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit.
Their spacecraft serve the growing small satellite market. Firefly works with commercial customers, government agencies, and research institutions needing reliable access to space.
The company’s valuation recently topped $1 billion, making it a unicorn. They raised $75 million to keep developing and launching rockets.
BAE Systems runs operations across Texas, backing various defense and aerospace programs. The company works on electronic warfare systems, mission systems, and space-related tech.
Their Texas facilities play a role in satellite communications projects. BAE Systems also develops advanced materials and spacecraft components.
They collaborate with other defense contractors and government agencies. Their work covers both military and civilian space projects throughout the region.
Austin is home to more than 15 aerospace and space companies, according to industry reports. Firefly Aerospace stands out as a major rocket manufacturer with strong funding and growth.
SpaceX operates facilities in the Austin area as part of its bigger Texas presence. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet division, also has operations here.
Space Cowboy Active Debris Remediation works on removing space debris from orbit. They plan to turn captured debris into materials for in-space manufacturing and 3D printing.
Pulsar Fusion just set up its US headquarters in Austin. The UK company develops nuclear fusion-powered engines for space travel and aims for space testing by 2027.
Slingshot Aerospace calls Austin home and develops space domain awareness tech. They create software to track objects in space and predict possible collisions.
Their platforms help satellite operators dodge debris and other spacecraft. Slingshot serves both commercial and government customers who need space situational awareness.
The company works on data analytics and visualization tools. Their Austin team builds algorithms that process tons of space tracking data.
Firefly Aerospace partners with NASA through several programs. The company won contracts to deliver payloads to the Moon under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.
SpaceX runs major facilities in Texas, including the Starship site in Boca Chica. The company has multiple NASA contracts for crew and cargo delivery.
BAE Systems works with several government agencies in Texas. They support Space Force missions and other defense space programs.
Collins Aerospace, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin all have big Texas operations. These contractors work on NASA programs and Department of Defense space initiatives.
Collins Aerospace runs both engineering and manufacturing operations in the Austin area. The team develops avionics systems and spacecraft components for a bunch of aerospace uses.
Their Austin crew supports commercial aviation and space programs. Collins builds navigation systems, communication equipment, and other key technologies for spacecraft.
They’ve expanded their Texas footprint by growing organically and making some smart acquisitions. Collins keeps investing in advanced manufacturing across the region.
