#aerospace-startups

#aerospace-startups

Raven Tech's system combines detection, autonomous flight, and net-based capture to neutralize unauthorized drones. Once an intruder is detected, the system deploys a drone to intercept and safely transport the rogue drone to a designated location.

Cursor is nearing a funding round of at least $2 billion, with returning investors Thrive and Andreessen Horowitz expected to lead the financing at a $50 billion valuation. The deal terms are not final and may still change.

The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, designed by ZGF Architects, is a 200,000-square-foot addition that will nearly double the Science Center's educational exhibit space.

Could IT infrastructure, and even the rise of AI, eventually migrate beyond the atmosphere? Amazon founder Jeff Bezos predicted in October that gigawatt-scale, solar-powered data centers would be a reality within 10 to 20 years. At the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, Elon Musk was even more ambitious: AI data centers in the "final frontier" could be viable within two to three years. Google also plans to deploy its TPU chips in orbit via Project Suncatcher.

NASA has 30 days to kick off a program for a mid-power space reactor ready for launch by 2030. A lunar variant is required, as is an option for nuclear electric propulsion.

Redwire focuses on space infrastructure and autonomous systems. The company completed its Edge Autonomy acquisition and reported 50.7% year-over-year revenue growth. Management maintained full-year guidance of $320 to $340 million, and the book-to-bill ratio of 1.25 suggests demand is holding. But the business is bleeding cash with a net loss of $41.2 million in Q3, nearly double the $21 million loss from the prior year. Gross margin sits at just 16.3%, leaving almost no room for error.

We ended the year with a record $1.85 billion in backlog, representing 73% year-on-year growth, a figure we look forward to building upon in 2026. That backlog includes an $816 million SDA contract to build 18 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 program, the largest single contract in company history, plus selection for the Missile Defense Agency SHIELD program, with potential contracts up to $151 billion.

Truist's upgrade centers on two key arguments. First, the firm believes that the improving program mix and further progress on development contracts lends more confidence that estimate-at-completion charges should potentially moderate in coming periods - a direct response to the EAC adjustments that have repeatedly pressured margins. Second, new CFO Chris Edmunds has set low and achievable targets for 2026, which frames the guidance range of $450 million to $500 million in revenue as a floor rather than a stretch.

Entrants will be required to write three- to five-page white papers that explain their idea and how they would shape markets and strengthen the space economy or national security. Papers are due by June 30, and judging will be complete by August 15. As an additional incentive, the best ideas will be briefed to relevant policymakers, including key members of Congress, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, and Saltzman, of the Space Force.