Astrobotic Secures $17.5 Million in NASA and Space Force Contracts to Develop Reusable Suborbital Rockets

Astrobotic Technology, a leader in lunar logistics and payload delivery, has recently garnered attention for securing $17.5 million in contracts from NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This funding is earmarked for the development of three reusable suborbital rocket designs, which are expected to play a crucial role in advancing space technology and defense capabilities.

Recent Developments in Suborbital Rocket Technology

The contracts awarded to Astrobotic focus on three distinct projects derived from the legacy of Masten Space Systems’ Xodiac-A vehicle, which Astrobotic acquired in 2022. The three projects are:

1. Xodiac-B: Funded by a $1.9 million contract, Xodiac-B is designed to be comparable in size to its predecessor, Xodiac-A, with a focus on enhancing flight capabilities.
2. Xodiac-C: This project, supported by a $1.6 million NASA contract, aims to validate crucial technologies for lunar and planetary landers, including sensors, flight navigation, and guidance hardware/software.
3. Xogdor Block 1B: The most substantial investment comes from a $14 million NASA grant directed towards Xogdor, which is slated for a flight demonstration in 2028.

Astrobotic’s planned flight schedule indicates that Xodiac-C will undergo testing by the end of 2026, while Xodiac-B follows with a flight demonstration in early 2027. The broader implications of these advancements extend beyond civilian applications, with significant relevance to defense-oriented flight testing and reusable flight systems development.

Implications for Aerospace and Defense

The injection of funding from both NASA and the U.S. Space Force underscores Astrobotic’s strategic positioning within the realm of suborbital test infrastructure. This initiative is pivotal for technology maturation, particularly in validating rocket engine configurations and spacecraft technologies relevant to lunar and planetary exploration.

Astrobotic’s work aligns with the growing demand for robust hardware validation processes for lunar missions, addressing critical challenges in navigation and guidance systems for landers. The dual focus on both civilian and defense applications illustrates the versatility of Astrobotic’s technological advancements, including their integration with systems like the Advanced Navigation System, which utilizes high-performance MEMS accelerometers for enhanced stability and precision in demanding applications.

Corporate Strategic Developments

In a related development, Astrobotic is reportedly on the verge of being acquired by Voyager Technologies, a move that could significantly bolster its lunar exploration portfolio and broaden its mission capabilities. This acquisition could lead to enhanced resources and expertise directed towards ongoing projects, including the Griffin-1 commercial lunar lander mission, which is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.

Astrobotic has been actively involved in lunar payload delivery, operating from its headquarters in Pittsburgh, and has established itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of lunar exploration. The acquisition by Voyager Technologies would mark a transformative moment for Astrobotic, potentially reshaping its strategic roadmap and expanding its technological offerings.

Future Prospects and Industry Insights

As Astrobotic navigates these significant developments, the focus remains on establishing a comprehensive suborbital flight test platform that serves both civilian and defense needs. The integration of advanced technologies, including the Advanced Sensor Module—which features a 9-DOF MEMS IMU for comprehensive motion sensing—will be vital in meeting the rigorous demands of lunar exploration and beyond.

Moreover, the reusable rocket designs being developed are expected to revolutionize space logistics by reducing costs and increasing the frequency of launches. This is critical not only for NASA’s lunar ambitions but also for the strategic interests of the U.S. Space Force.

Conclusion

Astrobotic’s recent contract wins and strategic developments signal a promising future for the company as it expands its role in lunar exploration and defense technology. With the backing of significant federal contracts and a potential acquisition on the horizon, Astrobotic is well-positioned to advance its mission of delivering payloads to the Moon and beyond. As the aerospace industry evolves, the emphasis on reusable technologies and integrated systems will likely dominate discussions, paving the way for a new era of exploration and innovation.

Astrobotic’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technology, coupled with its strategic partnerships, positions it at the forefront of the aerospace and defense sectors, ensuring its relevance in the years to come.

References

1. Voyager Technologies Boosts Lunar Ambition With Astrobotic Tech … (aviationweek.com) - 6/2/2026 Astrobotic plans to launch its Griffin-1 commercial lunar lander mission this year under a NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services contract. NASA … Voyager Technologies’ appetite for acquisitions is showing little sign of being sated, with the company disclosing the purchase of Astrobotic Technology to burnish its lunar exploration capabilities. The purchase of the space robotics company comes as NASA is ramping up its Moon ambitions…

2. Astrobotic gets NASA, Space Force funding to build reusable … (aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org) - 12/19/2025 Plans call for two of the new designs to be similar in size to the 3.35-meter-tall Xodiac-A. The Xodiac-B, funded by a $1.9 million contract … Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic announced Friday it has received a combined $17.5 million in contracts from NASA, the U.S. Space Force and the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop reusable rockets to test new rocket engine configurations and spacecraft technologies. Under the terms of the three contracts, Astrobotic is to develop three distinct suborbital designs, all based on the Xodiac-A that it acquired in 2022 when it purchased Masten Space Systems. … The Xodiac-C, designed for testing sensors and flight navigation and guidance hardware and software for lunar and planetary landers, is funded by a $1.6 million NASA contract. … The third variant, called Xogdor Block 1B, is funded by a $14 million grant from NASA. … Xodiac-B is planned to perform a flight demonstration in early 2027, while Xodiac-C is slated to fly by the end of 2026. Xogdor is scheduled to fly in 2028.

3. Astrobotic Technology: Pittsburgh Aerospace Company (www.astrobotic.com) - 2/6/2025 Deliver your technology to space! Astrobotic is contracting payloads for lunar missions. Configure your mission, reserve your flight, and learn about our … 1016 N Lincoln Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 (412)682-3282

4. Frontier Aerospace Selected for NASA Award to Develop Deep … (www.astrobotic.com) - 1/29/2021 “Astrobotic is proud to support Frontier in the development of the next generation of deep space engines. These engines are ideally suited to power our … Frontier Aerospace and Astrobotic team to win Tipping Point selection from NASA’s Space Technology and Mission Directorate (STMD) to develop MON-25/MMH thruster for Peregrine Moon landing Simi Valley, CA – Frontier Aerospace Corporation is pleased to announce their selection by NASA’s Space Technology and Mission Directorate (STMD) for a “Tipping Point” award to provide flight qualification of Frontier’s Deep Space Engine (DSE) that utilizes MON-25/MMH propellant. … Frontier teamed with Astrobotic of Pittsburgh, PA, to win the award, with Frontier to provide five DSE thrusters under the program for use in Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander planned for launch at the end of 2020. … Astrobotic Technology, Inc. is a lunar logistics company that delivers payloads to the Moon for companies, governments, universities, non-profits, and individuals. … Astrobotic was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA.

5. Astrobotic Signs Lunar Payload Agreement with Canadensys … (www.astrobotic.com) - 5/20/2019 *Following a review of commercial lunar providers, Astrobotic is selected by Canadensys Aerospace to fly its payload to the Moon. *Pittsburgh, PA – ** Astrobotic proudly announces today that it has been selected by Toronto-based Canadensys Aerospace to fly a lunar science and technology payload that promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) on Astrobotic’s first mission to the Moon in 2021. … For more information Astrobotic: www.astrobotic.com

6. Astrobotic Technology - Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org) - 2/15/2008 On June 11, 2020, Astrobotic received a second contract for the CLPS program. NASA would pay Astrobotic US$199.5 million to take the VIPER rover to the Moon, … On June 11, 2020, Astrobotic received a second contract for the CLPS program. NASA would pay Astrobotic US$199.5 million to take the VIPER rover to the Moon, targeting a landing in November 2024. … In 2024, the company announced its ‘Luna Grid’ service. By combining the company’s landers and rovers equipped with its Vertical Array Solar Panels, the company hopes to be able to provide sustainable power on the lunar surface. In June 2026, it was announced that Voyager Technologies was to acquire Astrobotic.

7. Astrobotic (@astrobotic) / Posts / X - Twitter (x.com) A Moon Base lander is one step closer to the lunar South Pole. @astrobotic recently unveiled the Griffin-1 lunar lander, now ready for environmental testing at … A Moon Base lander is one step closer to the lunar South Pole. @astrobotic recently unveiled the Griffin-1 lunar lander, now ready for environmental testing at …