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GET A PIECE OF APHELION AEROSPACE
Low-cost Eco-friendly Rapid Access To Space
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$176,157.83 Raised
REASONS TO INVEST
TEAM
Matthew Travis • President, Chief Operating Officer, and Director
Miguel Ayala • Chief Executive Officer, Director, Board Member
Frederick Richard • Vice President
Miniaturizing and mass-producing space launch technology
We believe that putting a small satellite into orbit should not cost more than the price of a house. For space access to fully realize its potential, it must evolve beyond the massive multinationals and corporate machines that currently dominate. By creating simpler systems, we can provide the highest reliability and lowest price for access to space—for small vehicles as much as for big ones. Aphelion’s launch technology enables us to expand the mission capabilities of small spacecraft based on the cost-effective nature of mass-produced, small-sized vehicles. Our prototypes represent a complete, customizable, and turnkey suite of nanosatellite services using top-tier technology that is both simpler and more reliable than the industry standard.
* The above image does not depict an Aphelion product and was included for creative purposes.
Our work is informed by collective decades of knowledge and experience in the military, civilian, and commercial sectors of the aerospace and space launch industry, including in the U.S. Air Force, NASA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin. Aphelion CEO Miguel Ayala has 20 years as leader and engineer in high-profile government and commercial space programs including Lockheed Martin Orion spacecraft and A2100 satellites, NASA Space Shuttle Boosters, ULA Vulcan rocket, and SpaceX Falcon rockets.
THE PROBLEM
Big satellites have been getting all the attention
The launch costs for multi-ton spacecraft have dropped dramatically in the past decade, but have barely budged for smaller satellites. Despite the projected growth of the nanosatellite industry, market demand remains underserved. Capital-intensive multinationals and corporate behemoths continue to dominate space, keeping the market largely inaccessible to other players. These industry giants are not investing attention into the nanosatellite market, which continues to be hindered by launch costs relative to satellite size.The status quo inhibits the growth, mass adoption, and utilization of nanosatellites, as available services are specifically optimized for large satellite customers. We call this the “Launch Problem.” As a result, there is increasing market demand for low-cost launch services, satellite manufacturing, and mission operations dedicated to the nanosatellite community.
Industry myths:
- The problem of high launch costs for small satellites has been solved.
- There are enough launch providers and little room for new players in the field.
- Many startups in the small satellite space are developing promising new systems. (Reality: most are neither realistic nor viable, often premised upon impossible or untested technologies)
THE SOLUTION
Increasing access to space through small launch services
Aphelion Aerospace is positioned to become the one-stop-shop for the small satellite and nanosatellite industry. By streamlining our services and products, including spacecraft hardware, software, and mission support, we offer premier solutions and maximize cost-effectiveness for our customers. In doing so, we increase the broader accessibility of the space environment to our customers, and in turn expand the overall market.
Our innovations come together in the Helios nano launch system, which is a three-stage vertical launch vehicle. Coupled with our partner and vendor network, we offer the infrastructure and services required from mission conceptualization through on-orbit operational support. Our dedicated launch infrastructure supports spacecraft up to 100kg to Low Earth Orbit and beyond. When fully matured and operational, we’ll reduce launch cycles to within one week, and launch on-demand within 24 hour-notice from non-traditional locations around the globe.
The sales price for each of our services ranges from $7,000 (1U Cubesat) to $950,000 (Helios Dedicated Launch), with an average margin of 58%. Best of all, we’re committed to maintaining net-zero carbon emissions; our technology is non-toxic, non-polluting, non-cryogenic, and can operate from non-traditional launch locations on short notice for what NASA describes as “gas-and-go” operations.
THE MARKET
A wide open market for nanosatellite services
Simply put, we’re looking at enormous market potential. There is a rapidly expanding and wide open market for the type of nanosatellite services we provide. The industry as a whole grew exponentially over the past decade, with continued forecasts for dynamic growth ahead. Within this untapped market, we’re several steps ahead of our competitors. Unlike any of our peers, Aphelion Aerospace offers its services as either an all-inclusive lifecycle package, or with services purchased à la carte. We believe no other company is able to offer responsive, short-notice, and launch on-demand. We see ourselves as having the most competitive business model in the industry, as the design of our services and small size of our vehicle meet the specific needs of not only civilian customers, but also government entities, including DoD and NASA.
The global space launch services industry garnered $9.88 billion in 2019, and is estimated to reach $32.41 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 15.7% from 2020 to 2027 (source). The global space propulsion market size is projected to grow from USD 6.7 billion in 2020 to USD 14.2 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2020 to 2025 (source). The global Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market size is expected to grow from USD 2.3 billion in 2021 to USD 5.7 billion by 2026, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.4% during the forecast period.(source).
OUR TRACTION
Collaborations with NASA and the U.S. Air Force
Over the past few years, Aphelion Aerospace has achieved a number of major milestones. We’ve engaged both NASA and the U.S. Air Force to license two of the most expensive and high-risk systems for commercial markets (Avionics and the Autonomous Flight Safety System). Additionally, we’re licensing hardware and software technology from NASA for production of our spacecraft, while developing additional technologies in-house.
*The above image is not an Aphelion Aerospace produced product. Used for creative purposes.
We’ve successfully completed design, production, and testing of our propulsion system engine at full scale, and we have LOIs from three potential customers, with more in the pipeline. To keep up with our ambitious goals, we’re expanding our team and moving into a new HQ, where we’ll be able to scale up activities and shift our focus from R&D to manufacturing.
WHY INVEST
Join us on our mission to redefine space access
We believe that access to space should be sustainable and open to everyone. That’s why we're building a future in which people will be able to launch spacecraft whenever they want, to wherever they want, and at a price resembling air cargo transport. We’re here to make room for new, smaller entrants through savvy business strategy, environmentally friendly propulsion technology, and expert-led innovations. It’s the perfect moment to invest:in small spacecraft technology that will revolutionize the overall market. By continuing to innovate and develop the technology of tomorrow, we’ll remain at the forefront of spacecraft miniaturization. At Aphelion Aerospace, we have the tools to create new opportunities that will redefine the future of space access.
*The above image is not an Aphelion Aerospace produced product. Used for creative purposes.
ABOUT
HEADQUARTERS
5815 W 6th Ave Unit 2D
Lakewood, CO 80214
WEBSITE
View Site
TERMS
Overview
PRICE PER SHARE
DEADLINE
Jul. 10, 2025 at 3:55 PM UTC
VALUATION
Breakdown
MIN INVESTMENT
MAX INVESTMENT
OFFERING TYPE
Maximum Number of Shares Offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares
ALL UPDATES
04.30.22
This is Your Last Chance
Aphelion Community,
We don't want you to miss out on the last stages of our equity crowdfunding campaign.
We owe a sense of gratitude to everyone who has supported Aphelion Aerospace.
We couldn't be happier with the results of our campaign thanks to your hard work!
But we're not done yet!
Do not miss out on this fantastic investment opportunity.
You should take advantage of the last opportunity to invest in Aphelion Aerospace and be part of our future success.
Also, if you've already invested in Aphelion Aerospace, tell your friends and colleagues about it so they can join the team!
How long are you going to wait?! This is the last stage of the Aphelion Aerospace campaign!
Check out our StartEngine crowdfunding site now, because you may invest as little as $250.86!
Warmly,
Miguel Ayala
CEO
Aphelion Aerospace
04.29.22
Aphelion Aerospace Completes Rocket Engine Development Test and Continues with Launch Vehicle Design
Aphelion Aerospace is proud to announce reaching a major milestone in developing the company's commercial launch services with the completion of critical propulsion system testing.
The team recently spent two weeks at the company's test facility in Wyoming integrating a rocket engine and support systems on a ground test stand and conducting a series of hot fire tests. The test activity was conducted with support from Aphelion Aerospace's propulsion R&D partner, Frontier Astronautics, at their facility near Chugwater, WY.
This ground testing is a critical phase of research and development because Aphelion Aerospace utilizes a proprietary chemical blend that has not been used in the space industry previously. While there has been prior government-funded research in a laboratory, Aphelion is the first company to use it in a flight-scale rocket engine to commercialize the technology. By conducting extensive testing on the ground, the company is maturing the technology to retire technical risks on the path toward qualification of the complete propulsion system, including rocket engines, electric pumps, and engine controllers.
With the successful completion of this phase of research and development, Aphelion is proceeding with maturing the propulsion technology using advanced proprietary materials and additive manufacturing. This work will culminate in fabrication and qualification of low-cost flight-ready rocket engines for the company's Helios nanosatellite launch vehicle.
The Helios launch system is a low-cost, dedicated nanosatellite launch vehicle designed to provide low-cost, on-demand launch services for commercial and government customers. It utilizes ground-breaking proprietary non-toxic, non-cryogenic, and environmentally friendly "green" propulsion technology that lowers launch costs, increases reliability, and enables rapid response.
In parallel with propulsion system development, Aphelion is continuing with the design of its launch vehicles, subsystems, and ground support in anticipation of a first suborbital launch as early as the end of 2022 and eventual orbital launch in 2024.
Aphelion Aerospace is a space transportation company on a mission to operate a dedicated nanosatellite launch service that allows for both on-demand and regularly scheduled orbital access with unprecedented mission flexibility and low price.
Aphelion Aerospace expresses its gratitude to its private investors and individuals who have already invested in the company on StartEngine.
04.21.22
We're Ready For Our Next Propulsion Hotfire Test Campaign
We’re ready for more hotfire engine testing. After overcoming challenges during the past couple months, we’re finally on the test stand at our propulsion test facility. Here’s video of a water cold flow test of our engine (without the thrust chamber attached) to check out our tanks, plumbing and DAQ operation. For the next few days, our engineers will get to rest up to be ready for the real testing while we attend to our booth at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs and drum up business. As soon as the symposium concludes, we’ll be back at our test site to conduct our engine test campaign.
04.20.22
The Problem With Nanosatellite Launches & The Aphelion Aerospace Solution.
Aphelion Aerospace Community,
The launch costs for multi-ton spacecraft have dropped dramatically in the past decade, but have barely budged for smaller satellites.
I am going to highlight the current problems with nanosatellite launches and what Aphelion Aerospace is doing to make a change in the industry directly in this update.
Big, Expensive Satellites Seem to Be Taking All the Glory
Despite the projected growth of the nanosatellite industry, market demand remains underserved.
Capital-intensive multinationals and corporate behemoths continue to dominate space, keeping the market largely inaccessible to other players. These industry giants are not investing attention into the nanosatellite market, which continues to be hindered by launch costs relative to satellite size.
The status quo inhibits the growth, mass adoption, and utilization of nanosatellites, as available services are specifically optimized for large satellite customers. We call this the “Launch Problem.”
As a result, there is increasing market demand for low-cost launch services, satellite manufacturing, and mission operations dedicated to the nanosatellite community.
Aphelion is Enabling More Space Access by Providing Affordable Launch Opportunities
Aphelion Aerospace is positioned to become the one-stop-shop for the small satellite and nanosatellite industry.
By streamlining our services and products, including spacecraft hardware, software, and mission support, we offer premier solutions and maximize cost-effectiveness for our customers. In doing so, we increase the broader accessibility of the space environment to our customers, and in turn expand the overall market.
Coupled with our partner and vendor network, we offer the infrastructure and services required from mission conceptualization through on-orbit operational support.
When fully matured and operational, we’ll reduce launch cycles to within one week, and launch on-demand within 24 hour-notice from non-traditional locations around the globe.
Invest in Aphelion Aerospace on StartEngine Today!
Join our mission in democratizing access to space, and unlock a vast frontier for humanity.
We are looking for like-minded individuals to invest in our journey. If this sounds like you, head over to our raise page and become an early shareholder for as little as $250.86 today!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our executive team. Thank you in advance for your support.
Warmly,
Miguel Ayala
Founder & CEO
Aphelion Aerospace
04.18.22
Rocket Engine Hotfire Testing Completion!
We spent a long week working in the bitter Wyoming cold with our team to get our rocket engine on the test stand and hotfire-tested. The Aphelion Aerospace team was dedicated and heroic in very challenging conditions. I couldn't be more proud of everyone, especially Eduardo and Juan. This sets the stage for the next phase of our development and it's good to finally get it behind us. A big thank you to all of our investors on StartEngine. You all help us make progress!
Best,
Matthew
Founder, Aphelion Aerospace
04.13.22
Notice of Funds Disbursement
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello!
As you might know, Aphelion Aerospace has exceeded its minimum funding goal. When a company reaches its minimum on StartEngine, it's about to begin withdrawing funds. If you invested in Aphelion Aerospace be on the lookout for an email that describes more about the disbursement process.
This campaign will continue to accept investments until its indicated closing date.
Thanks for funding the future.
-StartEngine
04.12.22
Aphelion Aerospace Reaches $150K!
Aphelion Aerospace Community,
Thanks to the help from our investor community, Aphelion Aerospace has just surpassed an important milestone in our equity crowdfunding journey on StartEngine:
We’ve raised over $150K from 200+ early backers!
We can’t begin to show enough gratitude for your support, and we’re looking forward to accomplishing many milestones with you in the near future.
At Aphelion Aerospace, we aim to revolutionize access to space, expanding its potential beyond corporations and into the hands of individuals. By providing dedicated services for small spacecraft technology for use in commerce, science, and research, Aphelion is at the leading edge of a wide and untapped market and is on a mission to redefine the future of small space launches.
Make your next investment an impactful one, and consider Pace as your next opportunity. Make sure to also check out our PR article!
For more information on our mission and how you can become an early shareholder, we encourage you to visit our StartEngine raise page.
Once again, thank you for your support and believing in our vision.
Warmly,
Miguel Ayala
CEO
Aphelion Aerospace
04.10.22
Aphelion Aerospace Rocket Engine Testing Progress
During the week of April 3, 2022, the team at Aphelion Aerospace conducted critical propulsion system testing activities. This work involved rocket engine ignition hotfire testing without the engine’s thrust chamber and nozzle installed. These tests help the team refine operating procedures in advance of full-scale engine hotfire testing at our propulsion testing partner Frontier Aerospace.
This test campaign will further prove Aphelion’s revolutionary environmentally- friendly propulsion technology and is an essential steppingstone on the development path of our low-cost dedicated nanosatellite launch system. The timing of flows of the fuel and oxidizer is a critical factor for safe and successful operation of rocket engines and this testing helps us refine the timing of ignition. Leaving off the thrust chamber and nozzle assembly eliminates the possibility of an anomaly destroying the hardware. Following the completion of this activity, we will attach those components and conduct hotfire testing of the complete engine assembly at flight-scale conditions.
Aphelion thanks its propulsion testing and oxidizer supply partner, Frontier Astronautics of Chugwater, Wyoming and is grateful for the use of Frontier’s testing facility. Our appreciation goes out to Frontier owner Tim Bendel and the support of Damon Printz. Testing activities were led by Aphelion Aerospace senior engineers Eduardo Corral and Juan Rodelo with management and operational support from Aphelion Founder Matthew Travis and CEO Miguel Ayala.
To learn more about Aphelion Aerospace and how you can be involved in our journey and become an investor, visit our StartEngine campaign page at https://www.startengine.com/aphelion-aerospace , our website https://aphelionaerospace.com and social media.
Sincerely,
Matthew Travis
Founder, Aphelion Aerospace
04.01.22
Aphelion Aerospace Featured on Pitch Please!
Aphelion Aerospace Community,
I am pleased to announce that Aphelion Aerospace was recently featured on Episode #061 of the Pitch Please podcast, “One Stop Shop for CubeSat Operations”!
Pitch Please is bringing transparency to conversations between investors and entrepreneurs that previously happened behind closed doors.
In this discussion, I had the pleasure of breaking down Aphelion’s technologies that allow an end-to-end solution for commercial access to space, our launch services, and much more!
Be sure to give the full episode a listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and let us know what you think!
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aphelion-aerospace-one-stop-shop-for-cubesat-operations/id1553507325?i=1000554873490
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QEsmDsxheqksnlw9CVDzO
Warmly,
Miguel Ayala
CEO
Aphelion Aerospace
03.29.22
Aphelion Aerospace Attends 37th Space Symposium.
Aphelion Aerospace Community,
Aphelion Aerospace will have the opportunity to network at the “must attend” space industry event of the year - The 37th Space Symposium!
A unique combination of new and seasoned space professionals from commercial, civil and national security segments of the global space community attend this one-of-a-kind event.
With more than 10,000 participants, companies and organizations hailing from around the globe, The Space Symposium is the premier space industry event in the world.
The conference will allow us to experience the latest in space technology and meet other attendees at their massive exhibit center.
Who is going to be there?
Commercial Space Businesses and Associated Subcontractors
Military, National Security, and Intelligence Organizations
Cyber Security Organizations
Federal and State Government Agencies and Organizations
Educational Institutions, Space Entrepreneurs, and More!
The Aphelion Aerospace executive team is looking forward to this unique experience and keeping you updated once we attend.
Be on the lookout for more information in the near future! In the meantime you can visit the Space Symposium website here.
Warmly,
Miguel Ayala
CEO
Aphelion Aerospace
REWARDS
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
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John Eubank
3 years ago
When will the perks be provided to investors?
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George Aulenbacher
3 years ago
More on my last post: Contacting the TESSERAE organization might even enable a early sales for later date when you're ready to send a payload up. The sale may even provide some funds you can use to help in your first launces.
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George Aulenbacher
3 years ago
As an investor, if you haven't seen this, I'd like to point you in the direction of MIT Lab developments of "TESSERAE": Tessellated Electromagnetic Space Structures for the Exploration of Reconfigurable, Adaptive Environments. The development of self-structure assemblies in space. Apparently it got Blue Origin's attention and they have been involved for a couple of years. But, I am sure TESSERAE would welcome an alternate supplier of launch capabilities. Now's the time to present and develop ties with them, Here is good article about TESSERAE: https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/tesserae-self-assembling-space-architecture/overview/
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Kweku Hanson
3 years ago
You discuss launching THREE years out from now (early 2022). I have a couple of easy questions for you. 1. Do you have any prototypes that don't simply reside on a CAD/CGI software system but that are real, small scale models? 2. bluShift (in which, full disclosure, I have invested), a nano-payload aerospace startup, uses environmentally friendly biofuels and has successfully test fired and launched prototypes into sub-suborbital skies. How does Aphelion contrast with bluShift in terms of biofuel and client competition? 3. Can your CEO address the complaints about financial mistreatment of interns? Thanks.
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Felix Vayssieres
3 years ago
Can you explain what makes you eco-friendly? What is your fuel made out of? What does you exhaust consist of, how much greenhouse gases do you emit, and how does that compare to traditional rocket fuel? Thanks
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Michael Rollins
3 years ago
Hello team I was 100% convinced to invest after seeing your pitch, but then read some of the posts about intern payments. I noticed they were not responded to and wanted to first understand what your positions were on this topic. I’m a big advocate of corporate sustainability and fairness, and I do recognize that every story has more than one side, so would be good to hear your responses to the issue. I would really like to invest but I always like to have all the boxes checked before I do. Thanks for your understanding Michael R
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Robin Singh
4 years ago
*UPDATE* Still no response from the company's official despite having the official contract. None of former interns get paid yet. And, official are not even bothering to give a response now. The company broke their contract, lied to many former interns who worked for the company and that's what we all got in return.
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Robin Singh
4 years ago
Hello to all, Please consider your decision before investing in this company. Still, they didn't pay any of past interns and broke the contract. It's been 1.5 years and still none of us got paid. And, now they ain't even replying to us.
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Trevor Smith
4 years ago
Is your rocket going to be reusable?
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Ed Mottley
3 months ago
We need updates
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