RocketStar
An aerospace propulsion company developing high-efficiency aerospike engines and the world's first fusion-enhanced electric thrusters for satellites and spacecraft.
- CEO / Founder
- Christopher Craddock
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $2.12M
- Latest Round
- Seed
- Key Investors
- U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), NASA
Technology & Products
Key Products
["FireStar™ Fusion-Enhanced Pulsed Plasma Drive","M-1 Star Aerospike Engine","Star-Drive (Electric Propulsion System via Miles Space acquisition)","3D-Printed High-Temperature Aerospace Components", "Miles Space Electric Thruster Technology"]
Technological Advantage
Proprietary fusion-enhancement increases base thruster performance by approximately 50% without increasing fuel consumption; Aerospike technology allows for maximum engine efficiency at all atmospheric altitudes compared to traditional bell nozzles.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Drastically improves propulsion efficiency and thrust-to-weight ratios by integrating aneutronic fusion into electric drives and utilizing altitude-compensating aerospike nozzles, enabling longer missions and lower fuel mass.
How They Differentiate
Proprietary fusion-enhancement (FireStar™) that boosts base thruster performance by 50% using Boron-11, combined with altitude-compensating aerospike nozzle technology.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Satellite manufacturers (SmallSats/CubeSats), Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and commercial space launch providers.
Industry Verticals
["Aerospace","Defense","Satellite Communications","Space Exploration"]
Competitors
Phase Four, Pangea Aerospace, Accion Systems
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Transitioned from theoretical R&D to successful hardware demonstration in 2024; expanded IP portfolio through the acquisition of Miles Space. Note: Growth outlook is currently impacted by 2025 legal allegations against the CEO.
Major Milestones
["Awarded NASA SBIR Phase I for aerospike nozzle development in 2018","Acquired Miles Space in January 2024 to integrate electric propulsion technology","Successfully demonstrated FireStar™ fusion-enhanced pulsed plasma drive at AFRL in March 2024","Integrated aneutronic fusion (Boron-11) into electric thrusters, a world-first achievement"]
Notable Customers
U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), NASA, Defense Systems Information Analysis Center (DSIAC)