Space Tech: Innovation Among the Stars

Deep Tech Focus #7 – Space Tech

Investing in Space

Space tech is the development, manufacturing, and support of technical products, services, or objects that can  be launched into space or used to explore it.

Since the early days of NASA, commercial players in the space sector have been major contributors. NASA and its partners have generated an amazing list of inventions (2000+), including lightweight insulation, cordless power tools, flame-resistant gear, and near-instantaneous ad bidding that occurs on web pages.

Today, private companies are leading the space race. The space market is now big business around the world, with ~$415B in global activity in 2018 — nearly 80% of that commercial revenue. Innovations span a range of sectors, including energy and environment, transportation, consumer goods, information technology, health and medicine, and more.

Innovations in space tech are being accelerated by leveraging other developments in deep tech, including AI, machine learning, blockchain, robots, and advanced materials. But one key limit on space activity is the cost of launching to low Earth orbit (LEO). Private space companies are tackling the challenge through reusable launch vehicle tech. Their goal is to move the cost from the historical average of $10,000 per kilogram of launched mass past the SpaceX low cost of $1,665 and down to $100 per kilogram. Once that barrier is crossed, the sky’s the limit.

Applications and Benefits

In Our Portfolio

AVG Portfolio Companies in the Space Tech Sector

These are just a few of our portfolio companies advancing the tech of genomics:

• Analytical Space: A satellite network of in-orbit relays that use laser communication to increase the speed and amount of data transmitted.
• Capella Space: Cost-effective SAR satellites able to see through clouds, at night, and even underground. Traditional imaging satellites use natural light optical where the range of visibility and detail are typically limited.
• PhaseFour: Develops plasma propulsion technology for satellites, megaconstellations, and launch vehicles to achieve previously unattainable orbits at a tenth the cost.