Tethers Unlimited
Develops in-space manufacturing and recycling systems (Refabricator, Positrusion) that convert plastic waste into 3D printer filament aboard the ISS, plus radiation shielding structures and on-orbit assembly technologies for aerospace applications.
- CEO / Founder
- Robert P. Hoyt
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Subsidiary
- Total Funding
- $1.5M
- Latest Round
- Acquired
- Key Investors
- National Science Foundation
Technology & Products
Key Products
Refabricator (combined 3D printer and plastic recycler for ISS); Positrusion Recycler (plastic waste-to-filament system); MakerSat (on-orbit fabrication payload); TRUSSELATOR (on-orbit fabrication of high-strength structures); 3D Printed Composite-Z and Graded-Z Radiation Shields (CoGZ-Rad); RAMP TPS (additively manufactured heatshield material)
Technological Advantage
Proprietary Positrusion process converts plastic waste into high-quality 3D printer filament in microgravity, verified through NASA SBIR Phase II and ISS demonstration. The company holds deep expertise in space-qualified hardware and has a long track record of NASA contracts. The advantage is protected by trade secrets and space-qualification barriers, though specific patents are not publicly enumerated.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Enables sustainable in-space manufacturing by recycling plastic waste into high-quality 3D printer filament, reducing the need for resupply missions and enabling on-demand fabrication of tools and parts in orbit, cutting logistics costs and lead times for space missions.
How They Differentiate
Unlike Made In Space's AMF which focuses on printing, Tethers Unlimited's Refabricator uniquely combines printing with plastic recycling in a single system, enabling closed-loop material reuse in space. It also has a broader portfolio spanning tethers, propulsion, and on-orbit assembly, differentiating it from pure-play in-space manufacturing competitors.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
NASA, Department of Defense, satellite manufacturers, space primes
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense; Space
Competitors
Made In Space (Redwire); Techshot (Redwire); Interlog Corporation
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
1994: Founded by Robert L. Forward and Robert P. Hoyt; 2015: NASA contract to convert plastic waste to 3D printer filament; 2016: Firmamentum division signed deal with SSL for Dragonfly in-space manufacturing; 2018: Delivered Refabricator to ISS; 2019: NASA awards including RAMP TPS heatshield project; 2020: Acquired by Amergint Technologies
Notable Customers
NASA; Air Force Research Laboratory; SSL (Maxar)