Rock Creek Scientific
Develops scientific instruments for X-ray astronomy and applies additive manufacturing to produce 3D-printed hard X-ray photoelectric polarimeter assemblies, enabling lightweight, cost-effective spaceflight hardware for NASA missions.
- CEO / Founder
- Kevin Black
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- No aggregate funding disclosed; evidence identifies NASA contract NNG07EJ03C (partial support) and other NASA contract references.
- Key Investors
- No private investors identified; NASA is the identified government contract funder (e.g., contract NNG07EJ03C).
Technology & Products
Key Products
3D-printed hard X-ray photoelectric polarimeter assembly (in development)
Technological Advantage
Combines deep expertise in space-based X-ray polarimetry with additive manufacturing; specific technical advantages are not publicly detailed, but the approach is aimed at reducing cost and lead time for custom instrument parts.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Uses additive manufacturing to rapidly fabricate complex polarimeter components that are difficult to machine, reducing mass, lead time, and cost for space-based X-ray instruments.
How They Differentiate
Niche focus on scientific instrumentation for X-ray astronomy, leveraging AM for custom components rather than offering commercial AM services; differentiates through domain expertise and NASA collaborations.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
NASA, astronomical research institutions
Industry Verticals
Aerospace/Defense; Scientific Research
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Recurring presence at SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation conferences (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2022) and continued NASA Goddard collaborations indicate ongoing R&D activity; no revenue or production figures disclosed.
Major Milestones
Industry participant on NASA TechPort project #157553: Development of Three-Dimensional Hard X-Ray Photoelectric Polarimeter Assembly Using Additive Manufacturing
Notable Customers
NASA