Author Topic: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)  (Read 25271 times)

Offline ccdengr

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #20 on: 04/01/2022 02:15 am »
They're launching from FAR?

I've seen many more impressive projects at FAR.

Offline Tywin

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Offline Tywin

Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #22 on: 03/08/2023 03:55 pm »
https://www.vayaspace.com/dauntless

Hybrid rocket DAUNTLESS, launch Q4 2023
« Last Edit: 03/08/2023 03:56 pm by Tywin »
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Offline trimeta

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #23 on: 03/08/2023 03:59 pm »
Vaya Space already had a thread. Admittedly, it's under their old name Rocket Crafters, and probably should be updated to reflect the change (which they made almost exactly two years ago).

But I still can't get people on this forum to stop talking about the "Firefly Beta" rocket, even though it's been called MLV for over six months, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

Offline Tywin

Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #24 on: 03/08/2023 04:09 pm »
Sorry I search, and I don't found nothing...
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Offline trimeta

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #25 on: 03/08/2023 04:13 pm »
Sorry I search, and I don't found nothing...
I keep an index of the NSF threads for every rocket company I'm aware of (and I try to be aware of all non-Chinese companies which have more than just a website), so when a company changes its name, I retain its history.

Offline Robotbeat

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #26 on: 03/09/2023 06:21 pm »
It’d be awesome if you could post that in a new thread somewhere and maybe the mods could sticky it.
Chris  Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

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Offline PM3

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #27 on: 10/27/2023 01:28 pm »
"Never, never be afraid of the truth." -- Jim Bridenstine

Offline StraumliBlight

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #28 on: 07/17/2024 07:38 pm »
Vaya Space receives pathfinding liquid oxygen tank shell for its Dauntless rocket

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A delivery from California to Florida on Monday marked a new milestone for aerospace company, Vaya Space. It received its first, full-sized liquid oxygen tank shell for its two-stage Dauntless rocket.

The company, based in Cocoa, Florida, about 13 miles from the gates of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, is working towards its first orbital launch in 2026.

Offline Sam Ho

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #29 on: 07/17/2024 09:19 pm »
Vaya Space receives pathfinding liquid oxygen tank shell for its Dauntless rocket

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A delivery from California to Florida on Monday marked a new milestone for aerospace company, Vaya Space. It received its first, full-sized liquid oxygen tank shell for its two-stage Dauntless rocket.

The company, based in Cocoa, Florida, about 13 miles from the gates of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, is working towards its first orbital launch in 2026.

It seems Vaya is using HDPE as the fuel, as noted in the press release related to the above oxidizer tank:

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Utilizing recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as solid fuel with various liquid oxidizers, Vaya’s propulsion technology is non-explosive and non-toxic. This has not been done before.

https://www.vayaspace.com/post/scorpius-space-launch-teams-up-with-vaya-space-to-build-the-organization-s-largest-propellant-tank-t

Offline huggy

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #30 on: 07/18/2024 09:02 am »
Spaceflight Now has a look inside Vaya Space and their Dauntless Rocket.


Offline AndrewM

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #31 on: 01/02/2025 01:05 pm »
Vaya Space has been awarded a multi-launch contract from Space Telecommunications Inc.

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COCOA, Florida – Vaya Space, a space and defense company, has announced a multi-launch contract for Vaya’s Dauntless rocket to launch the first phase of Space Telecommunications, Inc.’s small-satellite constellation. Under the agreement, Dauntless will deploy up to 250 satellites in a multi-launch campaign set to commence in 2027.
[Dec 12]

https://www.vayaspace.com/post/vaya-space-announces-multi-launch-contract-for-space

Offline AndrewM

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #32 on: 01/02/2025 01:07 pm »
Vaya received a SBIR contract for a hybrid hypersonic missile.

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The Air Force’s innovation arm AFWERX recently awarded Vaya Space a Small Business Innovation Research contract for a hybrid hypersonic missile the service hopes can penetrate an adversary’s anti-access/area denial system.

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The AFWERX SBIR Phase 1 contract involved Vaya conducting a 90-day feasibility study to explore if the company could use its hybrid engine technology to be the starter phase for a hypersonic missile, he said. The hybrid engine would get the missile’s ramjet “up to speed, and then when it’s at speed,” the hybrid engine would serve as a “fuel generator rather than as a primary propellant source, along with the ramjet, to boost it the rest of the way through” to hypersonic speeds of Mach 5 or higher.

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The Phase 1 feasibility study began in May, during which Vaya took its proposed concept and turned it into a “design that we can run the analyses on, prove out that it’s going to work in our models, present that to the Air Force and then move on into Phase 2 to actually produce and test the engines,” he said. Once the Phase 2 contract is awarded, Vaya “can have an engine on the test stand within a matter of four, six months at worst,” he added. ND

https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2024/8/19/air-force-invests-in-hybrid-hypersonic-missile-engine [Aug 19]

Offline AndrewM

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #33 on: 06/26/2025 12:53 am »
Updates since early January.

Vaya is going to use All Points Logistics payload processing facility.

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2025/03/13/space-prep-plans-big-spacecraft-processing-complexes-in-cape-canaveral-florida-vandenberg-california/81749844007/ [Mar 13]

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In addition, Monkress said his company is planning payload processing services with Vaya Space, a Cocoa-based company that is building a 115-foot hybrid powered rocket fueled by liquid oxygen and about 20 metric tons of recycled plastic. Vaya Space plans to launch as early as the second half of 2026 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Vaya acquired KAM Technologies.

https://www.vayaspace.com/post/vaya-space-acquires-machining-division-of-kam-technologies-launches-vaya-advanced-machining-to-ex [Apr 29]

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Vaya Space, a space and defense company based on Florida’s Space Coast, proudly announces the acquisition of the machining operations of KAM Technologies, a respected engineering and manufacturing firm located in Cocoa, Florida. This strategic move enhances Vaya’s vertically integrated production capabilities and marks the launch of its dedicated manufacturing division: Vaya Advanced Machining. It also expands Vaya Space’s in-house precision manufacturing capacity while allowing KAM Technologies to focus exclusively on engineering, product development, and new advancements in innovation.

Under this transition, Vaya Space will take full responsibility for all machining services previously performed by KAM. Operations will continue at the same facility and utilizing the same experienced team—ensuring a seamless experience for existing customers. KAM Technologies will continue to operate independently, delivering the high-caliber engineering services that have defined its reputation for over a decade.

“We are proud to carry forward the legacy of excellence that KAM Technologies built in precision machining,” said Aaron Blankenship, Vice President of Operations at Vaya Space. “This acquisition expands our manufacturing capabilities and positions us to support a broader range of high-performance applications with the precision, reliability, and scale today’s industries demand.”


“As we shift more fully toward design and engineering, this transition allows us to strategically focus our resources on accelerating the growth of our product lines,” said Mark Oostdyk and Brad Dunst, Co-For media inquiries, please contact: Mary Baldino 

Director of Sales and Marketing Vaya Space Phone: 321-222-0858

Email: [email protected] [[ “[]Founders of KAM Technologies. “We’re confident that our machining customers will continue to receive industry-leading service under the exceptional leadership and proven expertise of the Vaya Space team.”

This collaboration ensures continuity for existing machining customers, strengthens U.S. manufacturing capability, and reinforces both companies’ commitment to innovation across space, defense, and other advanced industrial sectors.

Chad Taylor joined their board of directors.

https://www.vayaspace.com/post/vaya-space-welcomes-chad-taylor-to-board-of-directors [June 3]

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Vaya Space, a space and defense company, is pleased to announce the addition of Chad Taylor as an advisor for the Board of Directors. Taylor brings a wealth of legal expertise and operational insight to the Vaya Space team, further strengthening the company's governance.

Taylor brings a broad range of experience as a legal advisor and contract general counsel, having worked with clients across industries including insurance, finance, banking, agriculture, and construction. He has extensive experience navigating complex legal landscapes, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, and risk management. Taylor resumed his corporate practice in 2017 after serving two terms as the elected District Attorney for the Third Judicial District of Kansas.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chad as an advisor to our Board of Directors,” said Kevin Lowdermilk, CEO of Vaya Space. “His extensive experience and strategic mindset will bring valuable perspectives as we continue to innovate and expand.”

As an advisor, Taylor will contribute his legal and operational knowledge to help shape Vaya Space's ambitious initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Kansas and earned his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law, equipping him with a well-rounded foundation to support the company’s mission.

They announced a partnership with Velo3D for further development of their propulsion system.

https://www.vayaspace.com/post/vaya-space-announces-4-million-strategic-partnership-with-velo3d-to-advance-additive-manufacturing [June 11]

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Cocoa, FL – June 11, 2025— Vaya Space, a space and defense company developing breakthrough hybrid rocket systems on Florida’s Space Coast, today announced a strategic partnership with Velo3D, Inc. (OTCQX: VLDX), a leader in additive manufacturing (AM) technology known for transforming aerospace and defense supply chains through world-class metal AM. The two companies have signed a $4 million, two-year Master Services Agreement (MSA) to collaborate on high-performance additive manufacturing R&D and production.

Vaya Space selected Velo3D as a key strategic partner in its propulsion development roadmap. Through the agreement, Vaya Space will leverage Velo3D’s Rapid Production Solution (RPS) to accelerate production of critical propulsion system components and meet key development timelines. Utilizing Velo3D’s Sapphire printer platform, Vaya Space will print parts in both GRCop42—a NASA-developed copper alloy for high-heat transfer and strength—and Inconel 718, a nickel superalloy known for strength and thermal resilience in aerospace applications. Vaya currently uses the Sapphire platform to produce the world’s first expander cycle hybrid rocket engine; under the agreement, the two companies will work together to optimize Sapphire’s printing parameters, increasing part quality and reducing unit cost and production time. 

As part of the partnership, Velo3D will serve as Vaya Space’s exclusive provider of GRCop42 additive components, delivering guaranteed capacity, advanced engineering support, and Flow™ software training to streamline design-to-production cycles for propulsion assemblies including nozzles, injectors, and turbopumps. The two companies will work collaboratively to produce high-quality engine components for aerospace and defense applications faster and at a lower cost than traditionally achievable. The combination of Velo's closed loop in-situ monitoring with Vaya's fuel grain and tank manufacturing processes will enable full hybrid rocket engines to be produced in days, with the ability to adjust designs and tailor performance profiles to meet the demands of any mission profile. 

“Additive manufacturing plays a central role in our ability to reduce design complexity, increase performance, and scale production,” said Aaron Blankenship, Vice President of Operations at Vaya Space. “Velo3D offers the production readiness, material capabilities, and deep technical partnership we need to bring our vision to life and deliver flight-ready engines on schedule.”

“This partnership is a powerful example of how our Rapid Production Solution helps scale complex hardware manufacturing for today’s most ambitious aerospace companies,” said Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. “By combining our capabilities in GRCop42 and Inconel 718 with deep engineering collaboration, we’re helping Vaya Space achieve faster, more cost-effective production—right here in the United States.”

The agreement includes a joint marketing roadmap and formal signing event at Vaya Space’s testing facility in Cocoa, Florida, where one of the propulsion systems produced with Velo3D parts will be on display.

Offline PM3

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #34 on: 10/30/2025 08:11 pm »
Updates since early January.

Vaya is going to use All Points Logistics payload processing facility.

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2025/03/13/space-prep-plans-big-spacecraft-processing-complexes-in-cape-canaveral-florida-vandenberg-california/81749844007/ [Mar 13]

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In addition, Monkress said his company is planning payload processing services with Vaya Space, a Cocoa-based company that is building a 115-foot hybrid powered rocket fueled by liquid oxygen and about 20 metric tons of recycled plastic. Vaya Space plans to launch as early as the second half of 2026 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Five months later, the launch has slipped by more than one year:

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Coming in 2028

https://www.vayaspace.com/launch
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Offline StraumliBlight

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Re: Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters)
« Reply #35 on: 11/30/2025 02:40 pm »
Vaya Space and Seagate Space Announce Plans for a Gulf-Based Offshore Launch Capability for Hybrid Rockets [Nov 19]

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Vaya Space and Seagate Space have agreed to pursue the development of an offshore launch capability for Vaya's Dauntless hybrid rocket, supporting both commercial and defense sector missions. The collaboration aims to unlock a new era of mobile, sea-based launch infrastructure, expanding access to space with greater flexibility and mission-specific orbit targeting.

The partnership leverages Seagate Space's Gateway floating launch platform, a modular, uncrewed design purpose built for launch and recovery operations from sea. Built around Vaya's patented hybrid engine architecture, Dauntless is a fully integrated launch vehicle designed, manufactured, and operated by Vaya Space. This collaboration marks a major step toward mobile and distributed launch operations, freeing space access from the bottleneck of fixed land-based spaceports.

"Our collaboration with Seagate Space is a key part of our strategy to offer flexible, responsive launch options," said Kevin Lowdermilk, CEO of Vaya Space. "Launching Dauntless from sea expands our ability to deliver mission-optimized orbits and complements our operations at Launch Complex 13 by giving customers even more ways to get to space. This expansion into the Gulf also opens up access to sun-synchronous orbit access for small satellite missions, increasing flexibility in both launch schedule and orbital targeting."

The Seagate Space team is currently pursuing third-party validation of their Gateway platform which, once received, will make it the first such design to receive approval-in-principle under American Bureau of Shipping's offshore spaceport guidelines. Future launches and demonstrations - including a potential stage test of the Dauntless - will further the company's innovative leadership in the offshore launch arena.

Both companies are Florida-based and, with plans to manufacture the Dauntless at Vaya's facility in Cocoa, may not need to look far from home for a future launch location. "Florida has amazing port infrastructure throughout the state, and we would love to bring the economic impact and excitement generated by the space sector to new locations. A comprehensive study of options is underway, and we look forward to making an announcement once complete," said Sean Fortener, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Seagate Space."

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