Raven Space Systems, Inc.

Raven Space Systems, Inc., a self-certified small disadvantaged business incorporated as a for-profit corporate entity, specializes in advanced additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies for aerospace and defense applications. Based across multiple locations including Broomfield, Colorado; Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas; Norman, Oklahoma; and Oklahoma, the company focuses on developing innovative composite materials and thermal protection systems capable of withstanding extreme operational conditions. The company leverages cutting-edge direct ink write and 3D printing methodologies to produce high-performance aerospace-grade components for defense and space exploration missions, positioning itself as a specialized contractor in the emerging field of additive manufacturing for critical defense applications.

Through federal contract awards, Raven Space Systems has demonstrated substantial expertise in advanced manufacturing research and development. The company has received multiple Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II contracts from the Air Force Research Laboratory, including a $3.8 million award for developing three-dimensional printed hypersonic testbeds (awarded October 3, 2024, completion February 26, 2027) and a $749,793 contract for epoxy matrix continuous carbon fiber 3D printing research (awarded February 10, 2022, completion November 13, 2023). Additionally, the company secured a $1.2 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase II contract from Naval Strategic Systems Programs (awarded September 23, 2025, completion September 27, 2027) for advanced manufacturing capabilities supporting the Navy's strategic systems development. Earlier work included a $109,992 STTR Phase I contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory for 3D printed hypersonic testbed development (awarded December 15, 2023, completion March 15, 2024). All contract awards included total small business set-aside designations, and the company has also received training and development grants, including a $25,000 training grant from the Shared Services Center for microwave assisted deposition of cyanate ester composites. The work performed across these contracts reflects the company's core competencies in advanced composite materials, thermal protection systems, and aerospace-grade additive manufacturing for defense applications.

Through federal grant awards, Raven Space Systems has advanced innovative technologies aligned with national space and defense priorities. The company received a $275,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation under the Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program (CFDA 47.084), awarded December 15, 2023, for developing 3D printing capabilities for high-strength heat shield materials to enable fully 3D printed reentry capsules for space cargo return missions. This grant focused on creating platform technology for rapid, large-scale, direct ink write 3D printing of aerospace-grade thermoset composite materials capable of surviving reentry from space, with anticipated commercial applications in reducing costs and accelerating manufacturing timelines for space cargo return systems. The company also received project grant support from the Shared Services Center for research on microwave assisted deposition of cyanate ester composites (awarded May 19, 2021, completion June 30, 2022). These grant awards underscore Raven Space Systems' commitment to developing next-generation manufacturing technologies that address critical challenges in space exploration and defense applications, with particular emphasis on reducing production costs and manufacturing timelines for high-performance aerospace components.