SpaceWorks

About SpaceWorks

Founded on August 1, 2000, SpaceWorks Enterprises (SEI) operates as an aerospace engineering firm specializing in advanced concept design, systems analysis, and technology assessment for a diverse clientele that includes U.S. government agencies like NASA and DARPA, as well as commercial space companies. The company was established by Dr. John R. Olds, who at the time was a tenured professor at Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Aerospace Engineering. Drawing from an extensive background in the aerospace sector, including roles at General Dynamics and as Director of Georgia Tech's Space Systems Design Lab, Dr. Olds guided SpaceWorks from a small startup to a multi-faceted organization. He served as CEO until 2022 and now holds the position of Chairman of the Board.

SpaceWorks' business is structured across several divisions, including Engineering, Commercial, and Software, which allows it to offer a wide array of services. The company engages in independent concept development, economic analysis, and hardware prototyping for future space systems. Revenue is generated through engineering services, software sales, and federal contracts and grants, often through programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Clients range from major U.S. aerospace prime contractors to emerging NewSpace ventures.

The firm's product and service portfolio is extensive, covering hypersonic flight systems, modular satellite platforms, and human space exploration concepts. A notable area of development is its line of Re-Entry Devices (RED), designed to provide a lower-cost option for returning payloads from space. This includes the RED-Data for collecting flight data and the RED-Rescue, an air-launched drone for rapid resupply missions. SpaceWorks also develops and sells proprietary software tools for the aerospace industry, such as QuickShot for trajectory optimization and REDTOP for rocket engine design. Furthermore, the company is actively researching human hibernation for long-duration space missions, having received NASA grants to develop concepts for a hibernation habitat for Mars journeys.