Stellar Exploration

Stellar Exploration, Inc., founded in 2003 and based in San Luis Obispo, California, develops affordable rocket propulsion systems and miniaturized aerospace hardware. The company focuses on providing launch vehicle propulsion for small rockets and spacecraft, serving military, civil, and commercial customers. Stellar Exploration’s core competencies lie in nanosatellite power systems, propulsion, and RF tracking technologies.

Specifically, Stellar Exploration has developed a high-performance nanosatellite power subsystem capable of delivering up to 5kW peak power with a projected lifetime exceeding three years, and has flight heritage with over 24 units launched between 2018 and 2021. They also offer miniaturized hypergolic bipropellant thrusters, providing 3N of thrust, developed under NASA funding for deep space nanosatellite missions. Furthermore, the company has designed a low-cost, passive nanosatellite tracking and telemetry tag utilizing backscatter modulation for communication.

Stellar Exploration differentiates itself through a focus on low-cost solutions and proven hardware for small satellite applications. Their in-house capabilities encompass design, build, and testing of critical subsystems, allowing for customization and relatively quick turnaround times – with lead times ranging from 3-6 months for certain products. The company’s existing flight heritage demonstrates a track record of delivering operational solutions to the space industry.