SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited)

SpiderFab is a Bothell, Washington project of Tethers Unlimited developing in-space manufacturing and assembly robots capable of fabricating large structures in orbit — antennas, solar arrays, trusses, and structural frameworks far larger than could fit inside a rocket fairing.

Bothell, United States Est. 2012 Commercial
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Quick Facts
Country
United States
Founded
2012
Type
commercial
Status
acquired

About SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited)

Updated 2026-06-30

SpiderFab is a Bothell, Washington project of Tethers Unlimited developing in-space manufacturing and assembly robots capable of fabricating large structures in orbit — antennas, solar arrays, trusses, and structural frameworks far larger than could fit inside a rocket fairing. The SpiderFab architecture uses a "Trusselator" mechanism to extrude composite truss members from raw feedstock in orbit, enabling kilometer-scale structures that would be impossible to launch fully assembled. Tethers Unlimited has received multiple NASA SBIR Phase I and II contracts to mature the technology. The underlying thesis is that the next generation of space systems (large aperture radar/optical telescopes, massive solar power satellites, ultra-large GEO communication arrays) requires in-space construction rather than Earth-launch-and-deploy architectures, with SpiderFab enabling that transition.

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Frequently asked about SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited)

Quick answers to the questions readers most often search for.

When was SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) founded?
SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) was founded in 2012 in United States.
Where is SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) headquartered?
SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) is headquartered in Bothell, United States.
What does SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) do?
SpiderFab is a Bothell, Washington project of Tethers Unlimited developing in-space manufacturing and assembly robots capable of fabricating large structures in orbit — antennas, solar arrays, trusses, and structural frameworks far larger than could fit inside a rocket fairing. The SpiderFab architecture uses a "Trusse…
Was SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) acquired?
SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) has been acquired.
What sector does SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) operate in?
SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) operates in manufacturing, robotics.

Data Accuracy Notice: Information about SpiderFab (Tethers Unlimited) is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.

Last updated: June 30, 2026
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