Flight Works

What Flight Works does

Flight Works, Inc. is a privately held precision micro gear pump manufacturer founded in 2002 and headquartered in Irvine, California. The company designs and manufactures micro-fluidic components, including pumps, valves, and flow control devices, alongside complete space propulsion subsystems, with vertical integration spanning analysis, design, manufacturing, assembly, and environmental testing. Its product portfolio is anchored on micro gear pumps sized from 22mm to 60mm in diameter and spanning 20W to 1.2kW power classes, with claimed best-in-class cryogenic micro pumps compatible with LOX, LN2, methane, and LNG. Approximately 24 employees operate across product lines targeting space mobility, UAV/aviation, medical, cryogenic, chemical, and industrial applications, though the primary commercial focus is space propulsion.

The company's core technology advantage is its pump-fed propulsion architecture for small spacecraft, which it pioneered for CubeSats and Nanosats in the late 2000s. The portfolio includes the PUMA modular refuelable ASCENT-based propulsion system for AFRL, the upcoming GP-100 (15-inch) and GP-200 (24-inch) rideshare green propulsion systems, solenoid and fill-drain valves (the latter covered by U.S. Patent No. 10,197,165 and based on licensed NASA technology), radiation-tolerant brushless DC motor controllers and multi-purpose I/O controllers, and a new helium compressor for on-orbit refueling supporting NASA's ISAM architecture. The technology base is flight-proven across 10+ spaceflight missions, including NASA's CAPSTONE (lunar trajectory) and Lunar Flashlight (first planetary green propulsion mission).

The business model is a hybrid of COTS product sales and customized solution revenue, executed through a quote-based, direct sales motion targeting OEM customers and government agencies. Pricing is opaque, with no public list pricing; customers engage sales directly or via the website's Request for Quote system. Revenue mechanics combine product sales across multiple verticals with non-dilutive SBIR and direct government contract funding from NASA, AFRL, and AFWERX; recent disclosed contract values include $5.7M (AFRL, 2024), $2M (AFWERX, 2025), and an undisclosed-value NASA SBIR (2025). Marketing relies on industry events (Small Sat Conference), technical webinars, downloadable white papers, and earned media rather than paid digital acquisition. Certifications include ISO 9001 and AS 9100, and key components are qualified to GEVS with radiation tolerance ratings of TID >100 kRad and LET >80 MeV-cm2/mg.

Name

Flight Works

Legal name

Flight Works, Inc.

Website

https://flightworksinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Flight Works manufactures precision micro gear pumps, valves, and pump-fed propulsion subsystems for space, aerospace, medical, cryogenic, and industrial applications, serving NASA, DoD, and commercial spacecraft customers with flight-proven green propulsion and on-orbit refueling technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Fluidic Components and Space Propulsion 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), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE)

Keywords

• Micro gear pumps
• Space propulsion systems
• Fluidic components
• Green propellant systems
• Flow control valves

Headquarters

HQ city

Irvine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Fluidic Components Sales: Sale of micro gear pumps, valves, and flow control components for space, UAV/aviation, medical, cryogenic, and industrial applications. Products range from standard catalog items to highly customized configurations.
2. Propulsion Systems: Sale of complete propulsion systems including green propulsion systems (PUMA, GP-100, GP-200), space mobility modules, and integrated propulsion solutions for spacecraft.
3. Space Electronics: Radiation-tolerant motor controllers and multi-purpose I/O controllers for space applications, including brushed and brushless DC motor drivers.
4. Government SBIR Contracts: Revenue from Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts with NASA and Department of Defense (AFRL, AFWERX) for development of advanced propulsion and refueling technologies.
5. Custom Development Services: Customization and adaptation of COTS products to meet specific customer requirements, including design modifications, testing, and qualification services.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Flight Works designs and manufactures precision micro gear pumps, fluidic components, and space propulsion systems. The company provides catalog COTS products and custom-engineered solutions for spacecraft propulsion, on-orbit refueling, UAV/aviation, medical, cryogenic, and industrial applications. Core capabilities include green propellant propulsion systems, space-rated valves, radiation-tolerant motor controllers, and cryogenic micro pumps.

Product overview

Flight Works is a precision micro gear pump manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of fluidic components and systems for space, aerospace, medical, chemical, and industrial applications. The product architecture centers on core micro pump technology with specialized product lines: (1) Space Mobility and Refueling Technologies including Green Propulsion Systems (GP Series), Space Pumps, and Flow Control Components for propulsion, refueling, and fluid management; (2) Space Motion Control Electronics including 200W brushless DC motor controllers and multi-purpose controllers; (3) UAV and Aviation Pumps for fuel, oil, and cooling applications; and (4) Medical, Industrial, Cryogenic Pumps. Key products include the PUMA modular refuelable propulsion system for AFRL, upcoming GP-100 and GP-200 rideshare green propulsion systems, and a complete line of flow control components (solenoid valves, fill/drain valves, flow control devices). The company provides both catalog COTS products and customized solutions, vertically integrated from design through manufacturing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PUMA: Modular refuelable ASCENT Propulsion Unit with Modular Applications for space propulsion supporting Dynamic Space Operations.
• GP-100
• GP-200

Products and services

• Green Propulsion Systems (GP Series) Scalable, modular pump-fed green propulsion systems supporting ASCENT, LMP-103S, and green blends. Scalable from CubeSats (10 kN.s impulse) to large ESPA-GRANDE (over 1,000 kN.s), with RS422 digital interface and radiation hardened control electronics.
• Space Pumps Flight-proven micro pumps for demanding space applications including propulsion, refueling, and fluid transfer. Compatible with green propellants (ASCENT, LMP-103S), hydrazine, hypergols (MMH, MON-3, MON-25), and cryogenics (LN2, LOX, methane, propylene).
• Flow Control Components Flow control components for microsat propulsion and fluid management including solenoid valves (from 100 mN to 5 N thrusters), fill-drain valves, and back pressure regulating devices. Based on licensed NASA technology with U.S. Patent No 10,197,165.
• Space Motion Control Electronics Radiation tolerant, high reliability motion controllers for demanding space applications ranging from single channel 200-600 W brushless DC motor drivers to multi-purpose I/O controllers with built-in brushless DC motor control. RS 422 digital interface with input voltage up to 36 V.
• UAV and Aviation Pumps Precision micro-pumps for UAV and aerospace/aviation applications designed for fuels and oils including Kerosene, JET-A, JP-8, JP-10, C10, AvGas, and light oils. Features magnetic drive and brushless DC or coreless motors.
• Medical, Industrial, Cryogenic Pumps Pumps designed for water/aqueous solutions (-W), wide range of chemicals (-C), and cryogenic liquids (-K) like liquid nitrogen (LN2), liquid oxygen (LOX), and liquid methane. Applications include industrial, pharmaceutical, medical implants, and cryogenics.
• PUMA (Propulsion Unit with Modular Applications) Green refuelable ASCENT-based Propulsion Unit with Modular Applications developed for AFRL. First in a family of systems supporting USSF, NASA and commercial missions requiring advanced propulsion capabilities for sustained maneuver and Dynamic Space Operations.
• GP-100 (15" Rideshare) Scalable green propulsion system for 15-inch rideshare form factor. Part of the GP-series family of scalable, modular pump-fed green propulsion systems.
• GP-200 (24" Rideshare) Scalable green propulsion system for 24-inch rideshare form factor. Part of the GP-series family of scalable, modular pump-fed green propulsion systems.
• Helium Compressor for On-Orbit Refueling Efficient helium compressor design for on-orbit refueling/repressurization supporting in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM). Builds upon previous Xenon compressor development for efficient helium transfer.

Quantifiable outcome

• Pump has been used successfully in multiple Trajectory Correction Maneuvers (TCMs) on NASA's CAPSTONE mission
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NASAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025NASA SBIR contract for development of efficient helium compressor for on-orbit refueling/repressurization supporting in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM). The compressor design builds upon previous Xenon compressor development for efficient helium transfer.
• AFWERXcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025AFWERX Direct-to-Phase 2 SBIR contract ($2M) for development of compact plug-and-play pump-fed propulsion modules with built-in refueling capability and precise propellant metering for Department of the Air Force responsive space operations.
• AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024$5.7M contract for development of PUMA (green refuelable ASCENT-based Propulsion Unit with Modular Applications) for Air Force Research Laboratory. The system is designed to support U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial missions requiring advanced propulsion capabilities for sustained maneuver and Dynamic Space Operations.
• Stellar ExplorationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Flight Works supplied propellant pumps to Stellar Exploration for the NASA CAPSTONE CubeSat propulsion system. The pump takes hydrazine stored at low pressure and feeds it at high pressure to small thrusters. Stellar Exploration selected Flight Works as 'the only viable solution on the market available for this application.'
• NASA / Plasma Processes / GA TechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlight Works worked with NASA, Plasma Processes, and GA Tech on the Lunar Flashlight Propulsion system. Lunar Flashlight was the first planetary mission to use green propulsion and the first to use lasers to search for water ice on the Moon's South Pole.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Direct peers

• Apollo Fusion (Astra): Apollo Fusion, acquired by Astra, developed electric and chemical propulsion systems for small satellites, including Hall-effect thrusters and xenon-based systems. Comparable to Flight Works as a smallsat propulsion specialist serving the same CubeSat and ESPA-class market with an alternative propulsion architecture.
• Accion Systems: Accion Systems produces electrospray propulsion systems for small satellites. Comparable to Flight Works as a non-chemical smallsat propulsion vendor addressing cubesat and smallsat integrators and competing for similar DoD/Space Force mission contracts.
• Phase Four: Phase Four develops RF thruster-based electric propulsion for small satellites. Comparable to Flight Works as a venture-backed propulsion startup targeting the smallsat propulsion market, though with an electric rather than chemical/pump-fed architecture.
• Benchmark Space Systems: Benchmark Space Systems provides in-space mobility and propulsion products for smallsats and cubesats, including non-toxic green monopropellant and bipropellant systems. Directly comparable to Flight Works' GP-series and PUMA as a smallsat-focused propulsion vendor targeting similar rideshare and DoD missions.
• Bradford Space (Bradford EC): Bradford Space (formerly Bradford Engineering / Deep Space Industries) builds propulsion components and systems for small spacecraft, including green-propellant systems and deep-space propulsion. Comparable to Flight Works' pump-fed green propulsion systems in mission profile (deep space, smallsat) and propellant chemistry approach.

Emerging players

• Morpheus Space: Morpheus Space provides smallsat electric propulsion (nano-thrusters) and in-orbit mobility services. Comparable as an emerging smallsat propulsion player; differs in that it focuses on electric propulsion rather than chemical pump-fed systems like Flight Works.
• Pale Blue: Pale Blue is a Japanese smallsat propulsion startup developing water-based and other green propulsion systems. Comparable to Flight Works' green propellant and water-compatible pump-fed systems; partial overlap with focus on green chemistry but different geography and chemistry specifics.

Regional players

• Dawn Aerospace: Dawn Aerospace (New Zealand/Netherlands) develops green bipropellant propulsion for small satellites and space launch vehicles. Comparable as a smallsat propulsion specialist pursuing non-toxic propellants similar to Flight Works' ASCENT-based systems, but primarily serving European/APAC markets rather than U.S. DoD.

Broad incumbents

• Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris): L3Harris' Aerojet Rocketdyne division is the dominant U.S. supplier of in-space and launch vehicle propulsion systems, including monopropellant, bipropellant, and electric propulsion. Comparable as a broad incumbent addressing the same spacecraft propulsion customer base (NASA, DoD, primes) as Flight Works, but at vastly larger scale and with broader product portfolio.
• Moog Inc. Moog's Space and Defense segment manufactures high-precision fluid control components, propulsion valves, and thrusters for spacecraft, missiles, and launch vehicles. Directly comparable to Flight Works' flow control components (solenoid valves, fill-drain valves) and motion control electronics, with overlapping government customer base.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Flight Works