Exos Aerospace: Redefining Reusability, Sustainability & Access in Commercial Space launch
Exos Aerospace Systems & Technologies, Inc. is a privately held space venture based in Greenville, Texas, born from Armadillo Aerospace heritage. Founded in 2014/2015, it specializes in developing and operating cost‑efficient reusable suborbital launch systems, advanced cryogenic tank technologies, and a new generation of air-launched orbital vehicles. Licensed by the FAA, Exos is one of only three U.S. companies with permission to operate reusable rockets—putting it in a tier alongside major players.
Three Notable Aspects of Exos Aerospace
1. Rocket Reusability at Breakthrough Cost Efficiency
Exos’s suborbital rocket, SARGE (Suborbital Autonomous Rocket with GuidancE), has flown and been recovered multiple times—demonstrating reusable launch capabilities that remain rare in the industry. Despite some past altitude setbacks, their reuse model delivers dramatic cost advantages: operational costs reported at less than 1% of competitors'. This reusability underpins rapid 2‑day turnaround operations and payload returns, making Exos an ideal platform for researchers, universities, and commercial developers needing fast, iterative access to microgravity.
2. Moon‑Proven, Lightweight Cryogenic Tank Innovations
Exos has pioneered a unique asset: TRL‑9 Type‑5 liner‑less carbon‑composite tanks, proven on the Moon via the Intuitive Machines IM‑1 mission through their affiliate Scorpius Space Launch Company (SSLC). These lightweight cryogenic tanks (capable of supporting LOX‑methane) offer safer, more efficient alternatives to toxic hydrazine. This capability positions Exos to lead orbital transfer vehicle solutions and "last‑mile" satellite or lunar payload deployment. The scalability and versatility of the tanks also unlock industrial applications beyond space.
3. Strategic Growth: Hypersonics, Air‑Launch & Global Markets
Exos is rapidly evolving beyond suborbital through three strategic expansions:
● Hypersonic Prototypes: Leveraging its agile “ExosWorx” development model and a USAF/AFWERX SBIR, Exos achieved hypersonic hover‑test and hot‑fire capabilities in under nine months. This demonstrates lightning‑fast iteration cycles—critical for defense and DoD innovation ahead of the curve.
● Air‑Launch-to-Orbit (ALTOS): Through a 2021 agreement with 0‑G Launch, Exos will deploy its Jaguar rocket via the Space Jet™ air‑launch platform. This offers weather‑independent, global small satellite insertion capability—flexible and cost‑competitive for dedicated LEO missions.
● Expansive Partnerships & Funding Channels: Exos leverages university and research clients via platforms like Precious Payload (booking suborbital slots), and is actively pursuing NASA REDDI/IDIQ qualification and growth capital via crowdfunding (StartEngine, Reg CF with $140M pre‑money valuation).
About the CEO: John M. Quinn
John M. Quinn—a former U.S. Navy electrical engineer—brings a systems‑driven, operational mindset to Exos. After earning his BSEE in 2002 and honing leadership in power, Six‑Sigma, cybersecurity, and AI systems, he founded Exos in 2014–15 to carry on the Armadillo legacy. Under his leadership, Exos has secured FAA licensing, lunar‑proven tank tech, defense contracts, hypersonic test protocols, and international expansion strategies, making John a very compelling founder figure for investors. He also leads strategic entry into global markets (Italy, Brazil) and builds programs to inspire next‑gen researchers and students (SPACEedu, SPACEaid).
Final Call to Action
For investment banks, family offices, and strategic investors: Exos Aerospace presents a high-potential opportunity at the intersection of sustainable space access, rapid defense prototyping, and payload democratization. With proven tech, a licensing moat, and strong leadership, the company is primed for its next phase—be it expansion capital, industrial partnerships, or commercialization of hypersonic and orbital systems. Let’s explore how Exos can align with your aerospace portfolio—whether via VC, strategic equity, or venture‑debt-led structuring—to drive shareholder value through growth-stage aerospace innovation.
Exos Aerospace is one of only three U.S. companies licensed by the FAA to operate reusable rockets. The other two are:
1. SpaceX
SpaceX holds FAA licensing for its reusable Falcon 9 rockets and is actively pursuing licensing for its Starship system. Its Falcon 9 first stage regularly returns and lands, a capability central to SpaceX’s launch model.
2. Blue Origin
Blue Origin received a Part 450 commercial launch license from the FAA for its New Glenn rocket, which features a reusable first-stage design intended to land on a barge in the Atlantic.
In Summary:
● Exos Aerospace
● SpaceX
● Blue Origin
These are the only three U.S. companies currently licensed by the FAA to operate reusable rockets.