Amazon Web Services Supports Startups With New Space Accelerator Program

Amazon Web Services has launched a space accelerator program that will help startups solve challenges faced by the space industry.

The new Space Accelerator program comes as more startups use AWS in developing innovative technologies for new experimentations related to space.

As part of the program, AWS entered into a partnership agreement with Seraphim Capital, a U.K.-based venture investment firm, to select the first startups that will participate in the mentoring effort scheduled to start in June.

The Space Accelerator will run for four weeks, providing technical, business and mentoring resources to the chosen space startups, SpaceNews reported.

Applications for the program are due on April 21. All startups working with space technology or space data may apply, according to Sandy Carter, vice president of programs for AWS’ worldwide public sector.

AWS and Seraphim will choose the program participants using a set of criteria that includes the innovative and unique nature of the project, the overall value that the solution would bring to the space industry, the creative application of AWS to solve problems and the ability of the team to deliver on a set opportunity.

AWS says mission proposals may include electronics and robotics, spacecraft launch and delivery, earth observation, spacecraft hardware and software and launch manufacturing and launch operations.

The first 10 startups that will join the program will receive mentoring and up to $100,000 in AWS technical services.

The Space Accelerator program is another step in AWS’ expansion into the space sector.

In 2019, the company launched the AWS Ground Station, a cloud-based system designed for controlling satellites and for downloading and analyzing data. 

Last year, AWS established the aerospace and satellite business with the goal of working with government agencies and the space industry, as well as developing new ways to use the cloud. 

While growing its space business customer base, AWS has largely used the help of startups.