By: Joshua Finley
Arkisys stands out as a trailblazer in space logistics and on orbit modification after launch, and is on a mission to revolutionize space systems with its innovative on-orbit “Port Platforms.” The company aims to create scalable infrastructure in space, akin to ports on Earth, facilitating a thriving ecosystem for arrivals, departures, and a variety of onboard in space services at price points that accelerate customer growth.
Selected by the Seraphim Space Accelerator
Arkisys’s ambition and potential were recognized by Seraphim Space, the largest space-focused investment firm and accelerator. The company was selected to join Seraphim Space and its US counterpart Generation Space Accelerator’s Mission 13 Cohort, an honor that positions Arkisys among the leading innovative companies in the space industry. “This was the first accelerator we participated in, and it’s a pretty big honor to be part of the largest and prestigious one right out of the gate,” says David Barnhart, Co-Founder and CEO. “Seraphim has consistently identified companies that are moving not just from today’s market opportunities but creating the natural progression into new areas in space. This is where we have positioned ourselves to help pioneer.”
Arkisys’s Vision and Technological Innovation
Arkisys’s goal is clear: to enable transition from optimizing and managing space systems built on the ground to leveraging the unique environment of space for exponential growth. “Space is a global commons just as the oceans are; one common attribute used by the globe for trade, services and country collaborations are nautical ports. In space, a ‘harbor’ can be any orbit, and Arkisys’s goal is to develop scalable “Port” infrastructure to allow for constant arrivals and departures, cargo offloads, services, creation of a customer marketplace, and growth into kilometer-scale business hubs,” Barnhart explains.
The company achieved a significant milestone along the path to demonstrate the power of low cost Port Modules with several other pioneering companies in early May. They successfully showed that an on-orbit platform can build a satellite using robotics, AI, and autonomous software on their full-scale1G Port Module in just one hour. “Consider the exponential paradigm shift of being able to build any type of space system on orbit in a matter of hours, instead of the months or years that is typical,” Barnhart says. “If there is a way to change the requirement to withstand the high stress of launch which drives complexity in all things going to space today, to being able to assemble, build, grow on orbit…that opens up possibilities in scale, market growth, and business expansion that has never been possible before.”
The Role of Seraphim Space Accelerator
The Seraphim Space Accelerator provides Arkisys and its cohort companies with invaluable support, offering networking opportunities, mentorship, and visibility. Barnhart notes the strategic advantage of participating in the accelerator: “Changing culture is really tough; doing it while trying to raise money, create the technology, and foster a welcoming regulatory environment…it’s really the sweet spot and challenge for a startup!” He stresses the importance of demonstrating economic viability and shifting perceptions: “The challenge? Taking that first step to show economic viability, and then shifting the questions from ‘it’s never been done before’ to ‘wow, if I can build on orbit, I could do so many new things.'”
Arkisys’s Future Plans
As part of their journey from the outcome of Seraphim’s guidance, Arkisys plans to showcase their first full-scale Port Module at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan this year. This event will provide a platform for Arkisys to demonstrate their groundbreaking technology and vision for the future of space infrastructure, with hands-on robotic demo’s and showcasing customer connectivity.
Arkisys continues to innovate with adaptive hardware and software interfaces, web-based interface ordering, and options for fast launch and data transport. The company is developing a platform that connects customers to their data, missions, and new space vessels, providing multiple services for a global customer base.
Under Dave’s leadership the Arkisys team is already pushing boundaries in today’s space industry. Their inclusion in the Seraphim Accelerator’s 13th Cohort showcases their potential and innovative vision. With their on-orbit “Port Platforms,” Arkisys is set to revolutionize space systems optimization post launch, creating new opportunities for growth, exploration, and commercialization in the final frontier. As Barnhart excitedly puts it, “The tech is real, the ops are in work, the fundamental shift to enable building anything on orbit is here. We are doing it!”
Learn more about Arkisys and their mission by visiting their website.
Published By: Aize Perez
