EraDrive

About EraDrive

EraDrive Inc. is a space technology startup that develops autonomous systems for spacecraft. The company was founded in 2025 as a spin-off from Stanford University's Space Rendezvous Laboratory (SLAB) by CEO Sumant Sharma, CTO Justin Kruger, and Chief Science Officer Simone D'Amico, building on over two decades of research in multi-satellite autonomy.

EraDrive's core product is a compact, modular payload that integrates optical sensors, AI, machine learning, and communication capabilities. This hardware and software system, described as a "self-driving module," enables satellites to perceive their surroundings, make decisions at the edge, and maneuver autonomously without direct input from ground operators. Key functionalities include collision avoidance, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), persistent surveillance, and alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT) in environments where GPS is denied or degraded.

The company targets both commercial and government clients, positioning its technology as a dual-use platform for enhancing space safety, performance, and defense. Its business model involves providing "autonomy as a service" through strategic partnerships with satellite manufacturers and defense contractors. Beyond selling individual modules, EraDrive's long-term vision is to create a comprehensive space traffic intelligence network. By deploying hundreds or thousands of its modules, the company aims to build a network of interconnected sensors in orbit, sharing data to provide real-time intelligence that surpasses ground-based tracking systems in coverage, latency, and accuracy.

Shortly after its founding, EraDrive secured a $1 million contract from NASA to develop software for detecting and tracking satellites and debris. In late 2025, the company announced a $5.3 million seed funding round led by Haystack Ventures, with participation from Point Nine, Harpoon Ventures, and Brave Capital, among others. This capital is intended to scale the production of its autonomy modules and expand its platform's capabilities for operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and beyond.