Redwire, a new company in the mission critical space solutions and high reliability components market segments for the next generation space economy, has acquired Made In Space, Inc. (“MIS”), a provider of industry-leading, on-orbit, space manufacturing technologies.
The acquisition also includes Made In Space Europe, based in Luxembourg as well as a sister company to the U.S. organization, which provides space-capable robotic systems to the global space industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2010, MIS was the first company to perform additive manufacturing in space and specializes in on-orbit manufacturing and assembly, zero gravity materials development, and human space exploration manufacturing solutions. Over the last 10 years, MIS has teamed with NASA on several space manufacturing projects including the Archinaut program, an in-space robotic manufacturing and assembly capability that builds large scale space assets on-orbit. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, MIS has additional offices in California, Alabama, and Ohio.
The acquisition demonstrates Redwire’s continued investment in differentiated space technology that enables next generation space infrastructure and exploration solutions. MIS products and technologies will enhance Redwire’s existing technology portfolio which includes space sensors and payloads, flight hardware, and exploration spacecraft.
AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AEI”), a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace, Defense & Government Services, Power Generation, and Specialty Industrial markets, launched Redwire in June 2020 through the combination of portfolio companies Adcole Space and Deep Space Systems. Both companies were acquired by AEI earlier this year.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as the financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as the legal advisor to Redwire. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP was the legal advisor to MIS.
“To truly realize the full potential for space exploration, innovation must change the economics,” said Peter Cannito, CEO of Redwire. “Made In Space has been driving these innovations and is now positioned to revolutionize the industry.”
“Joining Redwire is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new company taking an innovative approach to address the needs of today’s space industry,” said Andrew Rush, President and CEO of MIS. “Redwire provides us with the scale and space heritage we need to take our technology to the next level.”
“We share Redwire’s vision to push the boundaries of technological innovation in space to enable greater opportunities for positive economic impact on Earth and advance exploration,” said Michael Snyder, MIS Chief Engineer. “With strong support from Redwire and AEI, we look forward to accelerating our efforts and delivering new capabilities to the market.”
“Combining the game-changing innovations of Made In Space with the unmatched flight heritage of Adcole Space and Deep Space Systems creates a truly unique space platform,” said Kirk Konert, Partner at AEI. “Additionally, gaining a European presence through Made In Space Europe will allow us to better serve the global space community. We look forward to working with Andrew, Mike and the MIS team.”