What Deployable space systems does

Redwire Corporation is an integrated U.S. aerospace and defense company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, focused on advanced space infrastructure and autonomous defense systems. Its product portfolio spans deployable solar arrays (ELSA high-performance low-mass solar arrays and the eight IROSA wings that added 160+ kilowatts to the International Space Station, boosting station power by 20-30%), spacecraft platforms (Mako, SabreSat, PROBA-3), small uncrewed aircraft systems (VXE30 Stalker, Penguin, LRR), and ISR optics payloads (Octopus E140 MWIR and E180 HD MWIR with 4K resolution). The business serves NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, allied militaries (notably the Ukraine Armed Forces), and international agencies such as the European Space Agency. Subsystems are also supplied to defense primes, e.g., ELSA solar arrays delivered to Moog Inc. for a national security program.

Name

Deployable space systems

Legal name

Redwire Corporation

Website

https://dss-space.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Redwire Corporation is a Jacksonville, Florida-based integrated aerospace and defense company that builds deployable solar arrays, spacecraft platforms, unmanned aircraft systems, and ISR payloads for NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, Space Force, DARPA, allied militaries, and the European Space Agency.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Systems & Deployable Solar Arrays

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Space Power Systems (Solar Arrays, Batteries, EPS) (IMABACAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF)

Keywords

• Deployable solar arrays
• Spacecraft platforms
• ISR payloads
• Uncrewed aircraft systems
• Space infrastructure hardware

Headquarters

HQ city

Goleta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Defense and Aerospace Government Contracts: Redwire generates the majority of revenue through direct contracts with U.S. Department of Defense agencies, military branches, and allied governments. These include program-of-record awards (VXE30 Stalker fleet deliveries), follow-on contract extensions (Marine Corps $20M follow-on orders), and research development programs (DARPA, Space Force, Navy PMA-263). Revenue is project-based with multi-year delivery schedules and fixed-price or cost-plus contracting structures.
2. Space Infrastructure Products and Services: Commercial and government space infrastructure offerings including spacecraft platforms, solar arrays, avionics, and orbital services. Includes delivery of IROSA wings for ISS, PROBA-3 integration, and commercial space exploration technology demonstration programs.
3. ISR and Optics Payload Sales: Sale of advanced multi-mission ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) payloads including Octopus E140 and E180 HD MWIR systems to defense and security customers worldwide.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Deployable Space Systems is a supplier of deployable solar arrays and other space structures, now operating within Redwire's integrated aerospace and defense portfolio. The business designs and manufactures high-performance, low-mass roll-out and deployable solar array systems (e.g., IROSA, ELSA) and related space structures and mechanisms for spacecraft, the ISS, and national security programs.

Product overview

Redwire is an integrated aerospace and defense company offering a portfolio of space and defense technology products and solutions. The company operates across multiple domains including space infrastructure, autonomous aircraft systems, and multi-domain defense operations. Key product categories include: Spacecraft Platforms (Mako, SabreSat, PROBA-3), Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (Stalker, VXE30 Stalker, Penguin, LRR), Energy Systems (IROSA solar arrays, ELSA solar arrays), and Octopus ISR Payloads for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Redwire also provides enabling technologies including Avionics & Sensors, RF Systems, Structures & Mechanisms, and Digital Engineering capabilities through its Acorn platform. The company supports both U.S. government programs and allied nation defense needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IROSA (ISS Roll-Out Solar Arrays) Roll-out deployable solar array wings for the International Space Station. Eight IROSA wings were designed, analyzed, manufactured, tested and delivered, producing over 160 kilowatts and boosting station power by 20-30%. For government space agencies and prime contractors.
• ELSA High-Performance, Low-Mass Solar Arrays High-performance, low-mass solar array systems delivered to Moog Inc. for a national security program, providing reliable power across all orbits. For defense primes and national security space programs.
• Octopus ISR Payloads (E140, E180 HD MWIR) Multi-mission MWIR EO/IR intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance optics payloads offering long-range performance, precision geolocation, and all-weather capabilities with up to 4K resolution. For defense and security customers.
• Mako Spacecraft Platform Spacecraft platform delivered for the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory's Tetra-5 program, validating on-orbit refueling technologies for satellites.
• SabreSat Platform Advanced satellite platform developed for DARPA's Otter program, demonstrating technologies enabling operations in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO).
• PROBA-3 Spacecraft Integration Spacecraft integration, testing, onboard computer development, and the 3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer technology demonstration payload for the European Space Agency's PROBA-3 formation-flying mission.
• VXE30 Stalker UAS Small uncrewed aircraft system delivered to the U.S. Navy Marine Corps (PMA-263) Long Range/Long Endurance program of record, with a fleet exceeding 200 aircraft.
• Stalker UAS Combat-proven small uncrewed aircraft system providing advanced navigation and standard systems for military operations; subject of $20 million in Marine Corps follow-on orders.
• Penguin UAS Combat-proven reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition uncrewed aircraft system delivered directly to the Ukraine Armed Forces.

Quantifiable outcome

• 160+ kilowatts power output delivered to ISS
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Moog Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerRedwire awarded contract to deliver ELSA high-performance, low-mass solar arrays to Moog Inc. for a national security program. Moog serves as the customer/end-user integrating Redwire's solar array technology into their systems for government programs.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRedwire responsible for PROBA-3 spacecraft integration, testing, onboard computer development, and one of the technology demonstration payloads (3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer). This is a European Space Agency mission demonstrating formation flying in space.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Redwire: Acquirer/parent of DSS; produces ELSA solar arrays and houses DSS's deployable structures heritage. Operates the same deployable solar array and spacecraft structure product lines and shares the same NASA, Space Force, and DoD customer base.
• MDA Space: Designs and manufactures deployable space structures, antenna reflectors, and robotic systems for satellites and in-orbit servicing. Overlaps directly with DSS in deployable appendages and structural-mechanism engineering for commercial and government spacecraft.
• SENER Aeroespacial: European supplier of space mechanisms, deployable structures, and solar array drive systems for ESA and commercial primes. Directly comparable as a specialist in deployable mechanical hardware for spacecraft platforms.
• Beyond Gravity: Swiss-headquartered supplier of satellite structures, mechanisms, and payload fairings; a long-standing European specialist in deployable hardware with strong ESA relationships and direct overlap with DSS's product set.

Broad incumbents

• Northrop Grumman (Space Systems / Astro Aerospace): Long-standing producer of deployable space structures including UltraFlex and MegaFlex solar arrays used on commercial and government satellites. Most direct technical competitor to DSS's roll-out array technology within a much broader space and defense portfolio.
• Lockheed Martin Space: Large space prime integrating solar arrays, structures and mechanisms across government and commercial programs. Competes with DSS primarily as a vertically integrated prime rather than as a pure-play structures supplier.
• Thales Alenia Space: European space prime manufacturing spacecraft structures, solar arrays, and mechanisms for institutional and commercial missions. Directly competes with DSS for European Space Agency and commercial constellation work.
• Airbus Defence and Space: Builds platforms (OneSat, Eurostar) that house deployable solar arrays and structures; competes through its in-house power and mechanical subsystems and procures from specialized suppliers like DSS-adjacent vendors.
• L3Harris Technologies: Diversified defense and space supplier with expanding spacecraft and payload manufacturing capabilities, including structures and power subsystems. Comparable as a defense-prime buyer competitor and integrator for government programs.

Emerging players

• Rocket Lab: Vertically integrated small-satellite and space hardware manufacturer building spacecraft buses and solar arrays in-house. Emerging competitor in the small/medium-satellite market where DSS-styled deployable arrays are increasingly demanded.

Market position

Strengths3 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

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 Deployable space systems