BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — As more companies around the world launch more complex spacecraft, they’re wanting to stay longer in space and eventually, that means refueling.

Two companies in Brevard County have teamed up to help make that happen in a safe and secure way.


What You Need To Know

  • Eta Space, Sollensys Corp team up on project for NASA

  • Eta Space won parts of NASA contracts to help prove the capability of storing cryogenic fuel

  • The technology would be used to help refuel smaller spacecraft in space

  • Eta Space plans to start assembling the LOXSAT 1 in January 2023

Eta Space in Rockledge just signed on Palm Bay company Sollensys Corp. to conduct its cybersecurity using blockchain technology, similar to cryptocurrency.

Eta Space won parts of two NASA contracts to help prove the capability of storing cryogenic fuel and being able to refuel smaller spacecraft in space. The company has designed about 90% of its first mission so far.

Eta Space Chief Executive Officer Bill Notardonato said his company wanted to partner with Sollensys after seeing the impacts of hackers who targeted companies like Chevron and Kinder Morgan in February. It didn’t want to take any chances.

“If you have to go 250 miles up into space to collect a year’s worth of zero gravity flight data that NASA has been looking for for 15, 20, maybe even 30 years, we can’t afford to have that data compromised," Notardonato said. "We have to make sure it’s absolutely sure it’s safe, secure and trustworthy.”

Eta Space plans to start assembling the LOXSAT 1 in January 2023 with an eye on launching from New Zealand with launch provider Rocket Lab in early 2024.

After the demonstration mission, Eta Space indicated it hopes to launch the more robust LOXSAT 2 spacecraft in 2025.