Masten Space Systems (Acquired by Astrobotic)

Based in California, Masten Space Systems is a space infrastructure company focusing on sustainable access and utilization of the moon, Mars, and beyond through reusable rocket technology and rocket-powered landings. It provides end-to-end solutions from tech development to rocket testing and off-Earth delivery and operations while working closely with NASA, defense, and commercial innovators. In July 2022, the company filed for bankruptcy after struggling with NASA moon contract. In September 2022 , A federal bankruptcy court authorized the sale of almost all of Masten Space Systems' assets to Astrobotic after it made a stalking horse bid of USD 4.5 million including a SpaceX launch credit worth USD 14 million after which Astrobotic acquired Masten Space System .

  Key customers and partnerships

 The company has conducted over 600 flights across 5 reusable rockets and is currently focusing on a Masten Mission 1 under a USD 75.9 million contract from NASA to deliver and operate payloads along with science and technology instruments using its lunar lander Xelene (configuration XL-1) to the south pole of the lunar surface, which was expected to land in 2023. Masten Space is also one of the 4 companies selected by NASA to collect space resources and transfer ownership to the agency. This mission is expected to pave the way for lunar explorations, which were set to begin in 2024.