Loki Research
Loki Research LLC, founded in 2003 and based in Theodosia, Missouri, manufactures solid rocket motors, reusable hardware (38mm-152mm), and certified propellant reloads for hobby high-power rocketry enthusiasts and university research programs, selling direct-to-consumer and through a three-region US dealer network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersTheodosia, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Loki Research does
Loki Research LLC is a US-based manufacturer of solid rocket motors, hardware, and accessories for the hobby and high-power rocketry market, founded in 2003 by Dr. Jeff Taylor in Theodosia, Missouri. The company produces CNC-machined reusable motor cases and complete motor assemblies in five diameters (38mm through 152mm) spanning impulse classes G through N, paired with certified propellant reload kits in multiple formulations (Loki White, Red, Blue, Spitfire, Cocktail, Ice Blue). Core technology differentiation rests on high-precision 6061-T6 DOM tubing sourced from ARCONIC with Individual Reading (IR) tolerances, Type III Class 2 hardcoat anodizing, and proprietary convolute-wound phenolic liner systems for thermal protection. All hardware and propellant are manufactured domestically, and the company operates in a near-duopoly structure with only one other comparable manufacturer worldwide.
The business model is transaction-based direct-to-consumer e-commerce through lokiresearch.com, supplemented by an exclusive three-region US dealer network (East Coast, North Central, North West) for on-field hobby purchases, plus a direct-sales channel to universities and research organizations for non-certified experimental motors and custom reloads. Pricing is premium and unit-based, with 38mm hardware cases starting at $37 and complete motors up to $262, 76mm complete motors priced $561-$901, and reload kits ranging from $57 (H-class) to $2,299 (N-class). All certified reloads carry TRA and NAR approval; the company maintains documented lowest motor failure rates per motorcato.org tracking. Current operations are capacity-constrained, with order fulfillment times of 4-8 weeks, and products cannot be shipped to California due to lack of State Fire Marshal approval. The company is privately held with no disclosed external investors and has been under Dr. Taylor's ownership since April 2011.
Loki Research firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Loki Research
- Legal name
- Loki Research
- Website
- https://lokiresearch.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Loki Research LLC, founded in 2003 and based in Theodosia, Missouri, manufactures solid rocket motors, reusable hardware (38mm-152mm), and certified propellant reloads for hobby high-power rocketry enthusiasts and university research programs, selling direct-to-consumer and through a three-region US dealer network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Loki Research industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hobby Rocket Motors
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rocket Engines (Solid) (IMABADAF)
Keywords
Where Loki Research is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Theodosia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Loki Research business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Motor Hardware Sales: Sale of complete motor hardware (cases, bulkheads, nozzles, snap rings, thrust rings) for 38mm to 152mm motor diameters. Hardware ranges from entry-level 38mm/120 Ns cases ($37 for case only, $153 complete) to large 76mm/8000 Ns motors ($901 complete).
- Propellant Reload Kits: Sale of certified solid rocket propellant reload kits. Products range from G-class 2-pack reloads ($74-77) to N-class N-5500 BATES reloads ($2,299). All commercial reloads certified for TRA and NAR hobby use. Some smaller reloads (G through H, plus selected I and J) qualify for USPS ground shipping without hazmat fees.
- Supplies and Components: Sale of consumable supplies including O-rings (Buna-N and Silicone, $0.25-$1.30), phenolic liners and casting tubes ($12-$889), nozzle washers, snap rings, and bulkhead components. Also includes specialty items like nozzle polish services ($16-27).
- Experimental/Research Products: Direct sales of non-certified motors and research products to universities and organizations. These include experimental hardware and reload combinations not certified for hobby use, as well as custom reloads compatible with various 75mm and 98mm hardware.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | G-Class Reload Kits (2-pack) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | H-Class Reload Kits (single) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | I-Class Reload Kits (single) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | J-Class Reload Kits (single) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | K-Class Reload Kits (single) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | L-Class Reload Kits (single) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | M-Class Reload Kits (single) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | N-Class Reload Kits (single) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 38mm Motor Hardware |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 54mm Motor Hardware |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 76mm Motor Hardware |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Phenolic Liners and Casting Tubes |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Loki Research product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Loki Research manufactures and sells reloadable amateur / high-power rocket motor hardware (38mm through 152mm diameters) and associated propellant reload kits, nozzles, phenolic liners, casting tubes, bulkheads, seals, and tail cones. Products are sold to NAR- and TRA-certified hobbyists through an online storefront and dealer network, with additional direct sales to universities and research organizations.
Product overview
Loki Research is a hobby and experimental rocket motor manufacturer producing a comprehensive product ecosystem centered on solid rocket propulsion. The core offering consists of reusable motor hardware (cases, bulkheads, nozzles) across five diameter sizes (38mm to 152mm) supporting impulse classes from G through N. These hardware systems are paired with certified propellant reload kits in various formulations (Loki White, Red, Blue, Spitfire, Cocktail, Ice Blue) and supplemented with phenolic liner sets, casting tubes, O-rings, and attachment hardware. The company also provides free software tools (KnCulator, motor data files for RockSim/wRASP) to support motor design and simulation. All hobby certified products carry TRA and NAR certification for use at sanctioned launches, while experimental hardware enables custom propellant development. A small selection of discontinued ARTS altimeter products remains referenced for legacy support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Loki White: A propellant type used in rocket motor reloads, characterized by white coloration.
- Loki Red
- Loki Blue
- Spitfire
- Cocktail
- Ice Blue
Products and services
- Reloadable Rocket Motor Hardware Kits (38mm–152mm)
Quantifiable outcome
- Lowest number of motor failures documented on motorcato.org
Companies that use Loki Research
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Loki Research technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Loki Research partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA)coreTRA is the primary certification body for high power rocketry in the United States. Loki Research reloads are certified for use at TRA launches, providing legitimacy and market access to TRA members.
- National Association of Rocketry (NAR)coreNAR is the oldest national organization for model and high power rocket hobbyists. All Loki Research certified reloads are approved for NAR launches, providing access to NAR member events and competitions.
- ARCONICcoreARCONIC supplies the high-quality 6061-T6 Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) tubing used in Loki Research motor cases. ARCONIC's tight tolerance tubing is essential to Loki's precision manufacturing process.
- Quickburst / AKA Frankum PerformanceminorQuickburst manufactures high-quality 'HOT' motor starters/igniters recommended by Loki Research. Loki directs customers to Quickburst for igniters since alphabet agencies require extra paperwork for Loki to include them. Jerry Briggs of URRG also featured for rocket finishing work.
- OneBadHawk.comcoreExclusive dealer for East Coast region based in Oldbridge, NJ. Provides on-field and in-person purchases for customers in the Eastern United States.
- Miller Motor WorkscoreExclusive dealer for North Central region based in Jackson, MI. Provides on-field and in-person purchases for customers in the North Central United States.
- Oregon Astronomy & RocketrycoreExclusive dealer for North West region based in Sunriver, OR. Provides on-field and in-person purchases for customers in the Northwestern United States.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Loki Research competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths2 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Loki Research social profiles
Digital presenceLoki Research financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Loki Research leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Loki Research funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Loki Research 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 Loki Research
What does Loki Research do?
Loki Research manufactures and sells reloadable amateur / high-power rocket motor hardware (38mm through 152mm diameters) and associated propellant reload kits, nozzles, phenolic liners, casting tubes, bulkheads, seals, and tail cones. Products are sold to NAR- and TRA-certified hobbyists through an online storefront and dealer network, with additional direct sales to universities and research organizations.
Is Loki Research a public or private company?
Loki Research is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Loki Research founded?
Loki Research was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Loki Research based?
Loki Research is headquartered in Theodosia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Loki Research make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Motor Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are propellant Reload Kits, supplies and Components and experimental/Research Products.
Does Loki Research have an API?
No public API is recorded for Loki Research.
What industry is Loki Research in?
Loki Research's product category is Hobby Rocket Motors. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABADAF, Rocket Engines (Solid). Its NAICS code is 336415 and its SIC code is 3760.