Orbital Composites Secures Space Force Funding for AI-Driven Manufacturing

The Campbell, California-based firm is targeting a critical capacity gap in the domestic supply chain. Current manufacturing for high-heat components—such as rocket nozzles, heat shields, and nuclear reactor parts—often requires production cycles spanning 12 to 18 months. Orbital’s approach integrates physical AI with autonomous robotics to shorten these timelines while reducing costs.

"This work addresses a critical barrier to the rapid scaling of manufacturing for high-temperature rocket nozzles to serve the U.S. warfighter," said CEO Amolak Badesha. The company is currently coordinating with defense prime contractors and government program offices to transition its technology from development to operational use. By automating the production of materials that withstand conditions exceeding 3,000°C, the firm intends to move beyond the limitations of traditional, manual fabrication methods that have historically hindered national security programs.