Alabama spacecraft manufacturer Quantum Space is already putting its $40M Series A extension round to work, announcing the acquisition of Phase Four’s multi-modal propulsion tech on Monday for an undisclosed amount.
Quantum has also taken over ownership of Phase Four’s integration and test facility in Hawthorne, CA, which can churn out up to 100 engines per year.
Paying in gold: The deal opens the door for Quantum to integrate Phase Four’s unique propulsion capabilities to fuel Quantum’s Golden Dome ambitions. Phase Four’s multi-modal propulsion system uses chemical and electric propulsion to perform high thrust or high efficiency maneuvers, depending on the mission.
While the details of the multi-billion-dollar Golden Dome are not yet fully fleshed out, Quantum has signaled its intention to snag as many of the project’s missile defense contracts as possible.
In May, Quantum tapped former Missile Defense Agency exec Richard Matlock to lead its defense business.
And Quantum has spent the summer detailing its vision for what would be needed to field the entire Golden Dome architecture. In a whitepaper, Matlock highlighted many critical technologies that would need to be developed to field a resilient system, including multi-orbit networks of sensors, satellite swarms for boost-phase missile interception, directed energy weapons, and space-based kinetic interceptors.
Build or buy: Quantum’s flagship spacecraft, Ranger, coincidentally checks many of the boxes to host these in-space missile defense capabilities.
Ranger is a highly maneuverable, multi-orbit vehicle first announced in 2023, which can support multiple payload types including sensors, interceptors, and anti-satellite tech.
Quantum says that Ranger is already designed for long-life, persistent operations, with the ability to last 15+ years and refuel on orbit.
The acquisition of Phase Four’s tech, however, could expand Quantum’s core capabilities, by equipping Ranger with the propulsion tech needed to fly a wider range of missions for DoD.
For Phase Four, the sale gives the company a fast route into DoD missions, even if it means that Phase Four’s name may no longer be on the building. Two weeks ago, Apex purchased Phase Four’s Hall-effect thruster technology, in a deal that included hardware and personnel.
“Partnering with Quantum Space ensures that this technology scales and finds its way into the missions that matter most—defense, science, commercial infrastructure,” Phase Four’s CEO Steve Kiser said in a statement.
