Orbital Composites, founded in 2015 and based in Campbell, CA, is an advanced manufacturing company specializing in robotic 3D printing and composite materials for space and aerospace applications. They are developing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) technologies to fabricate large structures like antennas and solar panels directly in space. Orbital Composites partners with organizations like the U.S. Space Force, Axiom Space, Northrop Grumman, and Virtus Solis, focusing on satellite-based cellular broadband, space-based solar power, and quantum antennas. Associated keywords include additive manufacturing, composites, robotics, in-space manufacturing, and space-based solar power.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Orbital Composites is developing technology to 3D print thermal protection systems and rocket nozzles.
Under SBIR contracts, Orbital Composites is developing radiation-tolerant satellites, technology to capture space debris, quantum antennas, and robotic in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing platforms.
Orbital Composites has been awarded six Small Business Innovation Research contracts by the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy in the last two years.
Virtus Solis Technologies will design core technologies for the planned megawatt-scale commercial space-based solar power station and Orbital Composites will develop the necessary manufacturing processes and provide manufacturing-as-a-service to Virtus.
Orbital Composites announced a memorandum of understanding on 2023-06-20 with Virtus Solis Technologies to pursue a megawatt-scale commercial space-based solar power station.
Cole Nielsen founded Orbital Composites and began designing 3D printers for large aerospace structures in his garage in 2015.