Aerospace
Provides independent technical analysis, systems engineering, and research for space programs, including additive manufacturing qualification frameworks and inspection methodologies that enable certified AM parts for aerospace.
- CEO / Founder
- Tanya Pemberton
- Team Size
- 1001-5000
- Stage
- Established
- Total Funding
- $2.5M
- Latest Round
- Grant
Technology & Products
Key Products
Additive manufacturing qualification and standards; Systems engineering and technical analysis; Mission assurance consulting; Materials research and testing; Prototyping and test labs
Technological Advantage
The Aerospace Corporation's AM advantage comes from its unique FFRDC charter, giving it access to government missions and the trust to set qualification standards. Its methodologies, developed with NASA, address gaps in material properties, process control, and inspection for AM parts. This institutional credibility and decade-spanning data cannot be replicated by commercial firms, though the frameworks themselves are published for public use.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces qualification cost and risk for spaceflight AM parts by establishing standardized inspection and process control methodologies, cutting lead time from design-to-flight and lowering total mission assurance costs.
How They Differentiate
Unlike national labs that focus on fundamental research, Aerospace applies AM expertise specifically to space mission assurance, translating process data into flight qualification. Its FFRDC status grants direct access to classified and mission-critical programs, providing a trust advantage over commercial testing labs.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
U.S. government agencies (NASA, DoD, U.S. Space Force) and the commercial space industry
Industry Verticals
Space; Aerospace; Defense; Satellite; Government
Competitors
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Draper; Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
FY2023 revenue US$1.29 billion; ~4,800 employees
Major Milestones
1960: Incorporated as a California nonprofit corporation; 2016: Sponsored Mission Assurance Improvement Workshop on additive manufacturing, identifying qualification gaps; 2025: Appointed Tanya Pemberton as President and CEO; shifted corporate headquarters to Washington, DC area
Notable Customers
NASA; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Space Force; U.S. Air Force
Funding rounds
- Grant$2M2020-04-28Source: CB Insights