Nikhil Goel

Last week, the #AirspaceLink team joined industry leaders in Baltimore at the FAA Drone & AAM Symposium to explore the future of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) #drone operations. The FAA's upcoming notice of proposed #BVLOS, or Part 108, rule-making is set to unlock unprecedented opportunities for drone operators, cities, businesses, and the entire drone ecosystem across the United States. At Airspace Link, we’re thrilled to see these advancements align so closely with our efforts, including urban air initiatives like the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) in #Detroit and our FlySafe Program, focused on community drone readiness. Read our key takeaways from last week's Symposium here: https://hubs.la/Q02KDtXP0 AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International Federal Aviation Administration #UAS #Drones #AAM #DroneInnovation #PublicSafety #AirspaceIntegration

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In the earliest stages, startups have to balance two needs: capital to build now, and the focus to create the product that will bring their vision to life. We experienced this journey at Prewitt Ridge, and I had the opportunity to share parts of our story last week at AIAA ASCEND, and I wanted to share some of the highlights here, as well as the video clip captured by my teammate York Zhang! Steve Massey and I incorporated Prewitt Ridge in Dec 2019 and hit the ground running in 2020. Building on our experience as engineers working at SpaceX and Slingshot Aerospace, we set out to take a picks-and-shovels approach to build digital engineering software tooling for engineers like us, who are working at the companies out there using the picks and shovels, here on Earth and soon in space. We quickly found that there were a host of resources available to us. We received initial funding through the SBIR/STTR program, an initiative from the US government to provide early-stage technology funding for small businesses. With two STTR awards and a great university partner at UNM, we began to execute on our product vision. Simultaneously, we received phenomenal support from the Techstars Space Accelerator program. This accelerator helped us focus on the tradeoffs of bootstrapped growth through SBIR/STTR vs traditional fundraising. SBIR/STTR are fantastic sources of capital, providing a partnership that helps small businesses build through non-dilutive funding. But it’s important to remember that these opportunities are focused on specific topics and non-recurring. As a business, it's important to be disciplined on aligning the SBIR/STTR opportunities with your core product features and strategies to ensure they don't impede your teams execution. We made the decision to balance both SBIR/STTR with growth via venture capital. We successfully raised a round of funding, led by Squadra Ventures with participation from Stage Venture Partners, Aurelia Foundry, Wonder Ventures, Haystack, Acequia Capital, Techstars and GC&H We’ve had a wonderful experience working with the VC community, highlighted by the hands-on approach and national security expertise of Squadra Ventures. Going forward, we’ll continue to consider both types of funding. These resources have provided numerous connections to government and industry leaders, and in turn they have helped to focus our tool offering and capabilities. Our journey shows the importance of another balance that startups must strike: reducing risk and optimizing opportunities. Thanks to Techstars, AIAA ASCEND and all of the panelists for a great conversation! If you’re interested in discussing solutions for digital engineering, get in touch! #startups #aerospace #AIAAASCEND

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🌍✈️ NEMAND Aviation Consulting firmly supports the GEODNET and Wingbits partnership, revolutionizing the global aviation flight navigation and tracking infrastructure!🚀 🔗 Wingbits, a leader in aviation innovation, has partnered with GEODNET, a decentralized network that leverages ground-based stations and satellite data to create a highly precise, real-time positioning network for aviation. What is GEODNET? GEODNET is a decentralized RTK Network of high-precision GNSS base stations. By deploying GEODNET stations, individuals and companies contribute to improving positioning, navigation, and timing services (PNT) worldwide. Why this partnership matters for aviation: The Wingbits-GEODNET collaboration is set to transform global flight tracking by integrating next-generation positioning systems. The benefits include: - Real-time, cost-effective flight tracking - Enhanced safety for airlines and airports - Accurate, decentralized data collection for air traffic management Together, Wingbits and GEODNET are paving the way for a smarter, safer, and more connected aviation world. 📍 Explore the GEODNET Coverage: Curious about where the network is expanding? Check out the live GEODNET map to see where ground stations are deployed across the globe: https://lnkd.in/e7W8MbVW 🚀 Join Us in Shaping the Future of Aviation Participants in the network are rewarded with GEODNET tokens or their contributions. If you're interested in deploying your own GEODNET station and contributing to this game-changing technology, NEMAND can guide you through the process. Let's collaborate to bring the benefits of this innovative system to more aviation stakeholders. 👉 Contact us at [email protected] for more information. #Aviation #FlightTracking #GEODNET #Wingbits #Innovation #NEMAND #GlobalPositioning #AviationSafety #DecentralizedNetwork #PNT #RTKNetwork

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Who doesn't love chatting about the frontier of Space?! Loved getting this insiders look from Epsilon3 CEO Laura Crabtree (ex-SpaceX, Northrop Grumman) as the industry reshapes into a lightening fast startup ecosystem for us to marvel. Small teams are lowering the cost to access space. Homegrown automation software is dramatically reducing team size -- as Laura puts it: "You won’t see 50 people in a control room for launch…you’ll see 5 controlling 50 different assets and a couple of 100 assets that are mostly operating on their own." Personally i'm keeping a close eye on the new interconnectedness between space and the broader economy will spark a flywheel of innovation. 🎙️ Listen in to our discussion (link in comments) as we release today -- 5YF#16: Space command reimagined, automating mission control, new deep tech hubs, interstellar missions, and the future of space operations w/ Epsilon3 CEO Laura Crabtree To infinity!

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📈 Lodestar Space Secures $2.5M Pre-Seed Funding To Safeguard Space Infrastructure Co-led by Inflection.xyz and Lunar Ventures, this round also saw participation from notable investors like Charlie Songhurst, Zehan Wang, and Mehdi Ghissassi, with additional non-dilutive funding from the UK Space Agency. Key Highlights: 🔹Innovative Solutions: Developing a platform-agnostic robotic system for inspecting and repairing satellites. 🔹Recent Achievements: Conducted successful zero-gravity tests with MIT and The Aurelia Institute. 🔹Future Plans: Demonstrating robotic arm capabilities in orbit by the end of 2025. 🔹Strategic Roadmap: Developing a flight-ready model scheduled to fly as a hosted payload next year. 🔹Expansion Goals: Plans to expand operations to the U.S. and attract the Department of Defense's attention. Thomas Santini and Neil Buchanan, the founders, aim to revolutionize space security by creating versatile robotic systems. With advisors like former SpaceX VP Lee Rosen and former Spaceflight Inc. CEO Curt Blake, Lodestar is on track to enhance the safety and longevity of orbital assets. Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/dJWTqNvi #SpaceTech #Innovation #FundingNews #SpaceSecurity #Robotics

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Want a better understanding of where #UAS regulations are now, how to navigate them and how waivers are being leveraged? Join us and Auterion for the BVLOS SYNC. We will have plenty of time for Q&A so if you have questions about our recent OOP/OOMV #BVLOS waiver approvals, tune in. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eycFiuwY

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🚨 Space Startup Scores Big in Orbital Real Estate Boom A space company from Washington state has just landed a deal that's out of this world. Gravitics, barely three years old, has secured a $125 million contract from Axiom Space to build a crucial component for humanity's next frontier in low Earth orbit. Imagine a pressurized spacecraft acting as the Swiss Army knife of space stations – that's what Gravitics will be providing for Axiom's ambitious orbital outpost. This isn't just any space station; it's part of a grander plan to transition from the aging International Space Station to a new era of commercial space habitation. The timeline reads like a sci-fi novel: By 2026, Axiom plans to attach its first module to the ISS. When the old station retires, Axiom's creation will detach, becoming a free-flying bastion of scientific discovery and commercial enterprise. Gravitics, with its range of spacecraft designs that could fit anything from a modest apartment to a small house, is positioning itself as the go-to builder for this new space age. Their 4-meter diameter craft for Axiom will come complete with its own propulsion and power systems – think of it as a self-sufficient space RV. This deal isn't just about one company's success; it's a glimpse into the future of space commercialization. From in-space manufacturing to otherworldly technology demonstrations, Axiom and Gravitics are laying the groundwork for a bustling economy beyond Earth's atmosphere. But they're not alone in this new space race. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Sierra Space, and others are all vying for their piece of the orbital pie. It's a competitive field where startups can suddenly find themselves playing in the big leagues alongside aerospace giants. As we stand on the brink of this new era, one thing is clear: the final frontier is open for business, and companies like Gravitics are the pioneers building the infrastructure for humanity's next great leap. #gravitics #axiom #spacetechnology

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ATLAS Space Operations Raises $15M to Expand Ground-Station Software 📡 ATLAS Space Operations, a US-based ground station service provider for satellite communications, has secured $15M in funding, led by NewSpace Capital, a Luxembourg-based private investment fund, to accelerate the growth of its ground-station network and software. CEO John Williams shared that the company has doubled in size in recent years and expects to grow fourfold in 2024. The new capital will support a hiring surge, particularly for software engineers, to enhance ATLAS’s software-driven network optimization. With the increasing demand for space data, ATLAS is positioned for rapid expansion, including tapping into European, Middle Eastern, and African markets. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gyFMmJCE #SpaceIndustry #SpaceNews #SpaceTech #SatelliteCommunication #GroundStationNetwork #ATLAS

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The FCC hosted a Space Bureau Transparency Event titled "Don’t Get Grounded: Understanding the Interagency Review of Satellites Prior to Launch." The event delved into the pre-launch review process conducted by U.S. government agencies for satellites and payloads. Speakers from various agencies, including the FAA, State Department, and NOAA, discussed their roles, challenges faced by both government and industry, and strategies to streamline the review process.  🚀 Watch the stream here: https://lnkd.in/gtiV5buu 

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Congrats team Lodestar Space to closing this £2.5M pre seed round! Off to the (new space) races. At Inflection.xyz we are committed to pioneer sovereign computation as the biggest leverage for human progress. The space economy will help us provide valuable services from imagery and connectivity on earth all the way to in space semiconductor production, energy harnessing, regulating the earths climate and becoming an interplanetary species in the long run. Object manipulation is a very present bottleneck for repair, refuelling and other services. As opposed to tele operated robots that come with high latency, connectivity issues, human failure and high costs Lodestar Space is taking a different approach. By leveraging new materials, additive manufacturing and advancements in AI and in-space „edge“ compute capabilities (see our portfolio Cryptosat) they enable autonomous robotics operating in real time and far beyond human precision. Based on their space specific data set - robots and objects behave very differently at 0 gravity, extreme light conditions and temperatures - new applications and interfaces become possible. Data network effects are expected to accelerate development across verticals. Read more about the company’s value propositions, team and vision on https://www.lodestar.space Reach out if you see room for collaboration!

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Feds clear way for EVTOL startups to bring flying vehicles to U.S. airspace Federal regulators have cleared the path for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to share U.S. airspace with planes and helicopters — a win for the burgeoning industry and a timely decision for startups like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation that are expected to launch air taxi networks commercially in 2025. The Federal Aviation Administration published Tuesday its much-anticipated final ruling on the integration of “powered-lift” vehicles, a category the FAA revived two years ago to accommodate eVTOLs and one that describes aircraft that can take off and land like helicopters but then transition to forward flight like airplanes. “Powered-lift aircraft are the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years and this historic rule will pave the way for accommodating wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in the future,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in a statement. Whitaker announced the rule during the NBAA-Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. The ruling also contains guidelines for pilot training and clarifies operating rules. For example, aside from a new type of powered-lift pilot certification, the ruling includes an expanded ability for operators to train and qualify pilots using flight simulation training devices. The operating rules are tailored specifically to powered-lift vehicles and, as such, allow eVTOLs the flexibility to switch between helicopter and airplane rules as needed. Joby, Archer, Beta Technologies, and Wisk Aero — which are building aircraft for urban air taxi networks, defense, cargo, and medical logistics — have worked closely with the FAA since 2022 to develop this new set of rules for training, operations, and maintenance. “[The ruling] aligns with all the hopes that we had been designing for,” Greg Bowles, head of government affairs at Joby Aviation, told TechCrunch. “So the way that we’ve designed the operating system, the cockpit we’ve designed, the way we’ve designed for energy reserves, all align with the FAA rule.” Bowles also noted that Joby will be able to begin commercial operations once it receives its type certification from the FAA, which means the design of the startup’s aircraft and other major aircraft components meet required safety and airworthiness standards. Joby is in the fourth of five stages of type certification, and recently received a $500 million capital injection from Toyota to help it get across the finish line. https://lnkd.in/dcQ93Edr

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🚨 Major Milestone for Defense Tech: Second Front Systems Secures $70M in Series C Funding! 🚨 Second Front Systems (2F), a public-benefit software company, just announced the close of its $70 million Series C funding round, led by Salesforce Ventures with participation from Battery Ventures, New Enterprise Associates (NEA) , Thomas & Moore Strategic Ventures, LLC, and ARTIS Ventures. 💼💰 🛡️ What Does This Mean? 2F is on a mission to accelerate the delivery of mission-critical software solutions to the U.S. government and its allies, making it easier for commercial technologies to contribute to global security. 🌐 Key Highlights: • Game Warden by 2F deploys commercial and government solutions in classified and regulated environments, trusted by companies like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and DEFCON AI. • 2F’s impact spans both domestic and international markets, including partnerships with NATO to enhance global defense. 📈 Why It Matters: 2F ranked #28 on Silicon Valley Defense Groups’ NATSEC100 , achieving the second highest jump year over year! This funding will deepen 2F’s partnerships with the U.S. and allied governments, ensuring the best technologies support the most critical missions. 🔑 What's Next? With its expanded leadership team, including Josh Bosquez as CTO and Martha McSally joining the board, 2F is poised to continue transforming defense tech and building bridges between the DoD and cutting-edge commercial solutions. Rob Keith from Salesforce Ventures said it best: “We believe this latest funding will support 2F’s continued growth and success in transforming how the U.S. and its allies gain access to innovative technology.” 💥 Stay tuned to Future Techly for the latest updates on this groundbreaking initiative and the latest in tech and business! Source: PR Newswire #DefenseTech #SeriesCFunding #GlobalSecurity #Innovation #SecondFrontSystems #TechNews #SalesforceVentures #GameWarden #FutureTech #FutureTechly

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We’ve updated our website with Canopy’s complete Advisor list. Check it out - https://lnkd.in/ecd3vfud Lee Steinke Lee Steinke, COO of CisLunar Industries and former Interim COO of Orbit Fab, is a seasoned executive and advisor in aerospace, defense, and energy. With a background in geology, an MBA from The Wharton School, and extensive leadership experience, she brings a unique perspective to strategic problem-solving, people leadership, and high-profile project management. Dr. Min-Yi Shih Bringing a dynamic blend of technical expertise and business insight, Dr. Min-Yi Shih is passionate about cultivating innovative solutions for startups and small businesses. Min-Yi brings significant experience as a technical executive who led growth across a number of deep technology business, as well as an angel investor on the west coast. Swami I. Swami Iyer, a seasoned leader with 25 years of experience, excels in building diverse teams to tackle complex challenges, particularly in aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity. He brings distinguished leadership experience from roles as a USAF test pilot; President of Virgin Galactic; and President and CEO of GKN Aerospace’s Advanced Defense Systems division. Mike Cassidy Mike Cassidy is a serial entrepreneur with numerous stints as CEO and Co-Founder of high-tech companies, including Apollo Fusion and Ruba, that achieved successful exits. He previously led Google's Project Loon, expanding internet access in developing countries with high-altitude balloons. His expertise in entrepreneurship, acquisitions, and cutting-edge technology will provide invaluable guidance and strategic insight for our team. Adam Jay Harrison Jay Harrison brings extensive experience as an entrepreneurial leader in the defense tech space. During his eight-year tenure as Managing Director of Mav6, Jay Harrison grew the company to over $250 million in revenue. Notably, Jay has distinguished himself in unique DOD roles such as leading the Army’s efforts to transition commercial technologies to the warfighter post-9/11 and as the inaugural Managing Director of what has become the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). Dr. Karl Muth Karl Muth brings a wealth of experience to aerospace ventures, having led negotiations during bank failures and proposed restructuring architectures for Fortune 250 firms. As a rule 702 expert witness in securities fraud matters and an advisor to portfolio company CEOs in technology accelerators, he offers strategic insights crucial for navigating complex aerospace landscapes. Dr. Jerry McGinn, Ph.D. Jerry McGinn, a seasoned executive with 30+ years in national security, is an expert in defense acquisition strategy, industrial base policy, and corporate mergers. As Executive Director of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting and previously served as the senior career official in the Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy in the Department of Defense.

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Vantis Secures FAA Acceptance for BVLOS Drone OperationsThe Fed­er­al Avi­a­tion Admin­is­tra­tion (FAA) has grant­ed a sig­nif­i­cant Let­ter of Accep­tance (LOA) to Van­tis, North Dako­ta’s statewide unmanned air­craft sys­tem (UAS) net­work. This land­mark deci­sion acknowl­edges Van­tis’ role in ensur­ing safe­ty for beyond-visu­al-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone oper­a­tions, mark­ing a piv­otal moment for the com­mer­cial drone indus­try in the Unit­ed States. #North­ern Plains UAS Test Site Logo Vantis: A New Era for BVLOS Drone Operations The North­ern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) recent­ly announced that the FAA has offi­cial­ly rec­og­nized Van­tis as a cru­cial safe­ty mit­i­ga­tion tool for BVLOS drone oper­a­tions. This accep­tance under an exemp­tion paves the way for recur­ring BVLOS flights, accel­er­at­ing the growth of the com­mer­cial drone sec­tor across the nation. #Prepar­ing a drone for flight Streamlining the Path to BVLOS Flights Thanks to this LOA, com­mer­cial drone oper­a­tors can now lever­age Van­tis’ advanced ser­vices, such as col­li­sion avoid­ance, to expe­dite the waiv­er process for BVLOS oper­a­tions. https://lnkd.in/esMY4ySE

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On this week's episode of Lobster Talks, we had the privilege of speaking with Daniel Driscoll, former military officer and co-founder of Elodin (YC W24). Elodin is building the "Unreal Engine for aerospace," a flight software development platform that promises to accelerate innovation and make space exploration more accessible. Key takeaways from our conversation with Dan: -From battlefield to launchpad: Dan's unique journey from serving in Iraq to leading a cutting-edge space tech startup. -The "Unreal Engine" analogy: How Elodin is changing the game for aerospace software development. -Disrupting the status quo: Why agile software practices are essential for the future of space. -Advice for founders: Dan's insights on identifying and solving problems in established industries. This episode is a must-listen! Check out the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eHp_WWGc #aerospace #softwaredevelopment #startups #innovation #spaceexploration #podcast #lobstertalks

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Jeff Sherwood, Director of Business Development specializing in Unmanned Aerial Systems, Special Mission flight operations, and satellite communications, is featured in the latest issue of Vertical Magazine 📰 Jeff speaks to the benefits of equipping aircraft with a reliable Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS): "A high safety standard, enabled by a real-time HUMS solution on the aircraft, will be critical to ensure the long-term success, growth, and effectiveness of these operations." Read more on page 84 here 👉 https://lnkd.in/geJi_nNM

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Curious about the latest launch trends? Check out this insight from The Space Report Q2: In the first half of 2024, the average interval between launches has been just 34 hours. This rapid cadence showcases the accelerating momentum in the space industry. Explore the full analysis and see what’s fueling this trend at https://lnkd.in/dYsXAGw

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