Aerospace technology supplier Lockheed Martin, space technology developer Maxar Technologies and government services contractor SAIC are sponsoring a US-based, space-focused venture run by accelerator operators Techstars and Starburst Aerospace.
The initiative, Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator, will be based in Los Angeles and is also being sponsored by the US Air Force and US government agency Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Lab, along with Israeli government-owned aerospace systems producer Israel Aerospace Industries.
Non-profit research and development centre operator Aerospace Corporation will lend its support to the project, which aims to uncover business models for space-related applications in fields including energy, communications, robotics and autonomy.
Concepts spawned by Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator are expected to capitalise on technological advancements including reusable rockets, 3D printing, advanced materials and minaturised satellites.
The accelerator has already begun accepting applications ahead of the launch of its first cohort in July 2019. Matt Kozlov, managing director of Techstars, is helming it with assistance from Van Espahbodi, managing director of Starburst Aerospace.