Astroforge, Inc.

Astroforge, Inc. is a for-profit corporate entity based in Seal Beach, California, specializing in advanced space technology and asteroid mining research. The company focuses on developing innovative technologies for space exploration, specifically targeting near-earth asteroid resource extraction and characterization. Registered in SAM.gov with an active status through May 2026, Astroforge operates as a manufacturer of goods with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge aerospace and mining technologies.

In terms of federal contract awards, Astroforge has secured two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts with NASA and the Shared Services Center. The first contract, valued at $149,986, is a Phase III SBIR award for the "Astroforge Mission Concept Study: Rapid-Response NEO Characterization" with a performance period through December 3, 2025. The second contract, a $149,677 Phase I purchase order, focuses on "Cold Ablation Drilling: Non-Contact Planetary Sampling Technology" and is set to complete by February 6, 2025. Both contracts are designated as total small business set-asides, highlighting the company's status as a small business innovator in the aerospace sector.

Regarding federal grant awards, Astroforge has received a $275,000 project grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program. The grant supports the development of an ablative refining process for in-situ asteroid mining of platinum group metals (PGMs). The project aims to create a laser-based system for processing complex asteroid ore and extracting PGMs, with broader implications for U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. The grant, awarded on March 1, 2024, with a completion date of August 31, 2024, focuses on revolutionizing the precious metal commodity market through innovative space mining technologies that address environmental challenges associated with traditional terrestrial refining methods.