Nanoracks
🚀 Nanoracks – Company Overview and Milestones
Nanoracks LLC is a leading commercial space company specializing in in-space services, satellite deployment, and the development of space infrastructure for government, commercial, and research clients. Founded in 2009, Nanoracks has played a pioneering role in democratizing access to space, particularly through its innovative hardware aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and satellite deployment services.
🏢 Company History and Founding
- Founded: 2009
- Founders: Jeffrey Manber (co-founder and long-time CEO)
- Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
- Core Mission: To open low-Earth orbit (LEO) to commercial research, education, and private industry through standardized hardware and commercial services.
Nanoracks began by developing standardized research platforms for the U.S. National Lab on the ISS, providing opportunities for microgravity research using plug-and-play hardware modules. Over time, the company expanded into small satellite deployment and in-space infrastructure solutions.
📅 Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Nanoracks is founded with a vision to commercialize access to low-Earth orbit and space station platforms. |
| 2010 | First NanoLab research payload launched to the International Space Station. |
| 2013 | Development and operation of the Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD), enabling CubeSat deployment from the ISS. |
| 2014 | Achieved the first commercial satellite deployment from the ISS using NRCSD. |
| 2016 | Partnered with Blue Origin for future suborbital research missions. |
| 2017 | Selected by NASA for the NextSTEP-2 program to study commercial space station concepts. |
| 2020 | Launched the Bishop Airlock, the first privately funded commercial airlock module installed on the ISS, in partnership with NASA and Thales Alenia Space. |
| 2021 | Nanoracks becomes part of the Voyager Space portfolio, expanding capabilities in orbital infrastructure. |
| 2021–2022 | Partnered with Lockheed Martin to develop Starlab, a commercial space station under NASA’s CLD (Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations) program. |
| 2023–2024 | Continued focus on orbital debris removal, hosted payloads, and in-space manufacturing concepts. |
🌌 What Nanoracks Does Today
Nanoracks offers a wide range of services and products:
- CubeSat & Microsatellite Deployment from the ISS and free-flyers
- Payload Hosting on commercial and government spacecraft
- Bishop Airlock access for large and small payloads
- In-space services, including debris removal and on-orbit processing
- Starlab Space Station development in partnership with Voyager Space and Lockheed Martin
- Educational access to space via NanoLab programs for students and universities
🌍 Global Impact
Nanoracks has launched over 1,300 payloads into space, including over 300 small satellites. The company has enabled space access for customers in over 30 countries, working with organizations like NASA, ESA, JAXA, and private clients worldwide.
📈 Summary
Nanoracks has emerged as one of the most influential companies in the commercial space sector by making space research, satellite deployment, and in-orbit infrastructure more accessible. With a legacy rooted in innovation, Nanoracks continues to push boundaries through partnerships and commercial space station development, solidifying its position as a leader in the NewSpace revolution.