SpaceWERX, Aerospace Corp. Launch Initiative to Bridge Funding Gap for Small Space Tech Firms

The U.S. Space Force’s SpaceWERX and Aerospace Corp. have launched a collaborative initiative to assist small businesses in advancing their space technologies.

The partnership establishes a “Technology Readiness Level” bootcamp lab in El Segundo, California, designed to guide startup endeavors through the “Valley of Death,” which refers to the challenging phase small businesses face between initial funding and achieving full product readiness, the Air Force said.

The TRL bootcamp steps in to bridge the gap by equipping promising startups with the necessary resources and expert mentorship. Over a period of two to six months, the companies can access Aerospace Corp.’s facilities and experts to refine their space technologies and receive guidance to transform them into viable solutions.

In partnership with the Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space program office, SpaceWERX selected companies to participate in its first TRL cohort bootcamp, focusing on key areas such as in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing and dynamic space operations.

Arthur Grijalva, director of SpaceWERX, said small businesses in the United States serve as sources of innovation and creativity. He emphasized SpaceWERX’s mission of providing startups with the critical resources and mentorship they need to transform their innovative ideas into solutions that benefit both the military and commercial sectors.