iRocket
iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.) is a U.S. aerospace and defense company developing fully reusable small launch vehicles (Shockwave), solid rocket motors (Hydra 70), and counter-UAS interceptor missiles (iRX-100) for U.S. DoD, allied governments, and commercial satellite operators, currently pre-revenue and pursuing a Nasdaq listing via SPAC.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What iRocket does
iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.) is a U.S. aerospace and defense technology company founded in 2018 and headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York, with engineering, manufacturing, and testing facilities at Edwards Air Force Base and Lancaster, California, and a regional office in London. The company develops fully reusable small launch vehicles and missile propulsion systems built around three core product lines: the Shockwave reusable small launch vehicle (designed to deliver 300-1,500 kg payloads to low Earth orbit with under-24-hour turnaround using LOX/methane propulsion), the Hydra 70 family of solid rocket motors (1-10 inch SRMs with laser guidance for precision strike and counter-UAS applications), and the iRX-100 counter-UAS interceptor missile (Mach 2, ~6 km range, priced at tens of thousands of dollars per round versus ~$3.7M for Patriot PAC-3).
Underpinning these products is proprietary propulsion technology protected by two granted U.S. patents, including the Dual Contour Nozzle rocket engine (U.S. Patent #18/046,790) and the MACH-i Landing Engine, combined with Velo3D Sapphire additive manufacturing for rapid iteration. The company accesses U.S. national-security customers through SBIR, TACFI, CRADA, and OTA contract vehicles, with relationships including a $1.8M TACFI from U.S. Space Force, an $18M CRADA with AFRL (providing access to the High Thrust Research Facility at Edwards AFB), a $30M-$150M U.S. Army Hydra 70 production contract, and a position on the MDA SHIELD IDIQ vehicle (up to $151B). Internationally, the company has signed a $640M five-year launch services agreement with SpaceBelt KSA covering up to 30 orbital launches for Saudi Arabia's sovereign satellite constellation under Vision 2030.
Commercially, iRocket is pre-revenue and is pursuing a public listing via a $400M pre-money SPAC merger with BPGC Acquisition Corp. (backed by former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross), expected to close in Q4 2025 to list on Nasdaq. Revenue mechanics under development span government defense hardware contracts, commercial satellite launch services, missile/interceptor sales, and licensing of proprietary engine technology. The company reports approximately 150 employees as of October 2025, with plans to double, and is led by Founder/CEO Asad Malik alongside a board drawing from Rolls-Royce, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Commerce Department, and AFWERX.
iRocket firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- iRocket
- Legal name
- Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.
- Website
- https://irocketusa.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.) is a U.S. aerospace and defense company developing fully reusable small launch vehicles (Shockwave), solid rocket motors (Hydra 70), and counter-UAS interceptor missiles (iRX-100) for U.S. DoD, allied governments, and commercial satellite operators, currently pre-revenue and pursuing a Nasdaq listing via SPAC.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
iRocket industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Reusable Launch Vehicles and Missile Systems
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets (IMABACAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE), Rocket Engines (Liquid) (IMABADAE), Rocket Engines (Solid) (IMABADAF), Guided Missile & Rocket Manufacturing (IMABAHAA)
Keywords
Where iRocket is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
iRocket business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Government Defense Contracts: iRocket generates revenue through DoD contracts including the $1.8M TACFI contract, $18M CRADA with AFRL, and the $30M-$150M US Army Hydra 70 production contract. These contracts fund development of reusable rocket technology and missile interceptor systems.
- Commercial Satellite Launch Services: The company has signed a $640M five-year agreement with SpaceBelt KSA for up to 30 orbital launches supporting Saudi satellite constellation deployment. Additional LOIs totaling over $1B with various commercial customers.
- Missile/Interceptor Sales: Production and sale of counter-UAS missiles (iRX-100) and solid rocket motors to U.S. military and allied forces at significantly lower cost points than existing solutions.
- Technology Licensing and IP: Licensing of proprietary engine technology including the MACH-i Landing Engine and related propulsion systems to defense partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | iRX-100 Counter-UAS Missiles |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Hydra 70 Production Contract |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | Satellite Launch Services Agreement |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
iRocket product offering
Product offeringCore offering
iRocket designs, manufactures, and sells fully reusable small launch vehicles and missile systems for defense and commercial space customers. Its core products include the Shockwave fully reusable small launch vehicle (300-1500 kg payload to LEO), the iRX-100 counter-UAS interceptor missile, and the Hydra 70 family of solid rocket motors. The company leverages proprietary MACH-i Landing Engine technology, additive manufacturing with Velo3D Sapphire printers, and patented propulsion IP to deliver rapidly deployable, cost-effective aerospace hardware to the U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments, and commercial satellite operators.
Product overview
iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.) is a U.S. aerospace company developing a portfolio of reusable launch vehicles, missile systems, and propulsion technologies. The core offerings include the Shockwave fully reusable launch vehicle (targeting 300-1500 kg payloads to LEO), the iRX-100 counter-UAS interceptor missile, and the Hydra 70 solid rocket motor family. These products share proprietary MACH-i Landing Engine technology, advanced additive manufacturing capabilities, and rapid prototyping processes. The company serves both commercial satellite launch markets and national security/defense customers through government contracts with the U.S. Space Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Department of Defense.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Shockwave: 100% reusable small launch vehicle designed for rapid turnaround and reusability between missions with under-24-hour turn-around time.
- Hydra 70
- iRX-100
- MACH-i Landing Engine
Products and services
- Shockwave Reusable Launch Vehicle 100% fully reusable small launch vehicle designed for rapid turnaround and reusability between missions in under 24 hours. Capable of transporting 300-1500 kg payloads to low Earth orbit and beyond. Features proprietary MACH-i Landing Engine technology and liquid oxygen/methane propulsion.
- iRX-100 Counter-UAS Interceptor Missile Counter-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial system) interceptor missile designed to intercept drones at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars per missile, representing up to 100x cost reduction compared to Patriot PAC-3 interceptors. Reaches speeds up to Mach 2 over approximately 6 km. Compatible with Arnold Defense 70mm rocket launchers used by U.S. military services.
- Hydra 70 Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) Solid rocket motors (SRMs) for small rockets, missiles, and interceptors. Available in sizes from 1-10 inches. Features proprietary propulsion technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and laser guidance for precision strike capability. Compatible with existing 70mm launchers used by U.S. military services.
Quantifiable outcome
- iRX-100 interceptor cost reduced up to 100x compared to Patriot PAC-3 ($3.7M per missile)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use iRocket
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
iRocket technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature6 records
iRocket partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Kymeta CorporationflagshipStrategic partnership to integrate Kymeta's conformal multi-orbit satellite communications technology into iRocket's missile interceptor systems for the U.S. Golden Dome continental defense architecture. Joint development enables always-connected interceptors with enhanced accuracy and resilience. Integration trials planned for H2 2026.
- Velo3DcoreExpanded partnership involving iRocket's acquisition of Velo3D's Sapphire metal 3D printers and adoption of Rapid Production Solutions for manufacturing reusable launch vehicle components and defense hardware. The collaboration supports automated production systems and supply chain reindustrialization for missile programs.
- Arnold DefensecoreArnold Defense supplied the launcher system for iRocket's iRX-100 missile flight demonstration in October 2025. The test validated iRX-100 compatibility with Arnold Defense's 70mm rocket launchers used by U.S. military services, showcasing the missile's operational deployment readiness.
- SpaceBelt KSAflagship$640 million five-year agreement for up to 30 orbital launches supporting Saudi Arabia's sovereign encrypted satellite communications constellation. Partnership includes technology transfer and regional manufacturing to strengthen Saudi space capabilities aligned with Vision 2030.
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)core$18 million CRADA for development of next-generation reusable rocket engines and stage technology. iRocket receives access to the High Thrust Research Facility at Edwards Air Force Base (one of four in the U.S. capable of 10 million pounds thrust testing) for propulsion, stage, and grasshopper testing.
- U.S. Space Force / AFWERXcore$1.8 million TACFI contract with U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command for further development of reusable rocket engine technology. Contract funding through AFWERX innovation program.
- TurionminorLaunch services agreement for Turion's small satellite deployment using iRocket's Shockwave launch vehicle.
- NASA Marshall Space Flight CentercoreSpace Act Agreement for collaborative development of reusable launch vehicle technology. iRocket to begin rocket engine testing at NASA's Marshall facility.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
iRocket competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rocket Lab: Rocket Lab is the most direct peer: an established small/medium launch provider with the Neutron vehicle in development, plus a Space Systems business offering defense hardware (spacecraft, propulsion components) directly comparable to iRocket's Shockwave and Hydra 70 lines. It competes for the same DoD and commercial smallsat customers iRocket is pursuing.
- Relativity Space: Relativity Space is a direct peer using 3D-printed (additive-manufactured) launch vehicles (Terran 1, Terran R). Its technology approach and target market (medium-lift commercial and DoD) closely mirror iRocket's Shockwave strategy with Velo3D printers.
- Firefly Aerospace: Firefly Aerospace offers the Alpha small launch vehicle and is expanding into defense systems (MLV, Space Utility Vehicles). It targets the same DoD Space Force and tactical space access market as iRocket, and went public via SPAC at a similar stage.
- ABL Space Systems: ABL Space Systems developed the RS1 small launch vehicle and offers responsive space launch for DoD and commercial customers. It is a direct small-launch competitor pursuing similar SBIR/TACFI-style procurement vehicles.
- Astra Space: Astra is a peer in small launch (Rocket 3, Rocket 4) targeting commercial constellation and government responsive-launch customers. Notably, iRocket hired Astra's former CFO Kelyn Brannon, and Astra's struggles highlight the execution risks in this category.
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos operates the Orbital ATK-derived target rocket and tactical space businesses and pursues DoD rapid-launch and defense rocket motor programs directly comparable to iRocket's Hydra 70 and iRX-100 lines. Both compete for the same SHIELD/IDA-style procurement dollars.
Broad incumbents
- SpaceX: SpaceX is the broad incumbent in launch (Falcon 9, Starship) and Starlink constellation deployment. While not a pure small-launch competitor, SpaceX's reusable architecture and rideshare pricing set the cost/cadence benchmark iRocket must beat to win smallsat customers.
- Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman (Pegasus, Minotaur, OmegA) is the broad incumbent in DoD launch services and missile defense interceptors. Its Space Systems division is led by former executives now on iRocket's board, illustrating the talent pipeline and competitive overlap.
- Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin produces the Patriot PAC-3 and other missile defense interceptors that iRocket's iRX-100 explicitly targets as a low-cost alternative. It is a primary incumbent iRocket must displace in counter-UAS and missile defense procurement.
Emerging players
- Anduril Industries: Anduril is an emerging defense tech prime developing counter-UAS systems (Roadrunner, Lattice) and is acquiring solid rocket motor capacity. It is a competitor for SHIELD IDIQ task orders and for the same counter-drone procurement dollars as iRocket's iRX-100 and Hydra 70.
Market position
Strengths3 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
iRocket social profiles
Digital presenceiRocket compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
iRocket financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
iRocket leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
iRocket funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
iRocket M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about iRocket
What does iRocket do?
iRocket designs, manufactures, and sells fully reusable small launch vehicles and missile systems for defense and commercial space customers. Its core products include the Shockwave fully reusable small launch vehicle (300-1500 kg payload to LEO), the iRX-100 counter-UAS interceptor missile, and the Hydra 70 family of solid rocket motors. The company leverages proprietary MACH-i Landing Engine technology, additive manufacturing with Velo3D Sapphire printers, and patented propulsion IP to deliver rapidly deployable, cost-effective aerospace hardware to the U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments, and commercial satellite operators.
Is iRocket a public or private company?
iRocket is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was iRocket founded?
iRocket was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is iRocket based?
iRocket is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does iRocket make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government Defense Contracts are the primary driver. The others are commercial Satellite Launch Services, missile/Interceptor Sales and technology Licensing and IP.
Who are iRocket's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, Firefly Aerospace, ABL Space Systems, Astra Space and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. Broad incumbents are SpaceX, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Anduril Industries is listed as an emerging player.
Does iRocket have an API?
No public API is recorded for iRocket.
What industry is iRocket in?
iRocket's product category is Reusable Launch Vehicles and Missile Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAA, Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets, with a secondary code of IMABACAE, Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters. Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.