GAIA Aerospace expands NewSpace network - Astrodrom

Velo3D - additive manufacturing of mission critical components

Already in January 2023, a real heavyweight has joined the team: Velo3D. The company is known for its additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) technology. Many aerospace customers rely on the US company's expertise to produce mission-critical parts. Velo3D's customers include Astra, Launcher, SIEMENS Energy and SpaceX.

GATE Space - Plug and Play Satellite Propulsion

New to the GAIA Aerospace network is the Austrian NewSpace start-up GATE Space. The company supplies low-cost propulsion systems for satellites. The special feature is that the plug-and-play system is compatible with payload adapters already in use. This eliminates the need for costly custom-built systems. Although GATE Space was only founded in the first quarter of 2022, it already has three patents, more than 60 successful engine tests and the business incubation of ESA and Beyond Gravity. A first seed round is planned for Q1 2023, with market entry planned for early 2025.

IMENSUS - Analysis of Asteroids for Space Mining

The Kiel-based start-up IMENSUS has also been a member of the NewSpace network since February 2023. The founders have set out to address the underrepresented topic of space mining. The young team is in the process of developing geophysical methods for the analysis of asteroids. The data obtained will then be made available to mining companies, for example. But potential customers for IMENSUS also include space agencies, governments and private space companies.

Finite Space - Modular rovers for a multi-planetary species

Also in February 2023, Finite Space joined the GAIA Aerospace network. The two founders describe their ambition to enable humanity to take the step towards becoming a multi-planetary species as a marathon. In order to achieve this, they are focusing on "in-space manufacturing". They are currently working on a modular rover whose components will be manufactured in space. There are also plans to use a 3D printer to print spare parts on site - on other planets, for example.