Multi-domain capabilities between space and Earth. Credits: Redwire

Redwire Acquires Edge Autonomy to Enhance Multi-Domain Space and Defense Capabilities

The acquisition of Edge Autonomy marks a significant new step for Redwire in the development of multi-domain capabilities for the defense sector

On January 20, 2025, the space company Redwire Corporation announced an agreement for the acquisition of the US defense company Edge Autonomy. The total value of the acquisition amounts to $925 million.

With this significant portfolio expansion, Redwire aims to become a global leader in multi-domain autonomous technology, combining innovative space infrastructure with reliable combat-proven autonomous airborne platforms.

Edge Autonomy will join Redwire’s extensive group of subsidiaries. With more than 17 facilities across the United States and Europe, the space company leverages decades of experience in the industry, offering a wide range of services and products to support any space mission. Redwire is also widely engaged in developing future technologies to expand human life in Earth orbit and beyond.


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Connecting space and Earth

In line with the expansion of key capabilities across all levels of space activities, Redwire has recently enhanced the development and production of innovative technologies for the defense sector to meet the growing international demand for solutions that strengthen multi-domain reliable capabilities.

In 2024 the company announced the development of the SabreSat orbital drone, a new platform aimed at providing persistent, high-resolution imagery and resilient communications from Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO).

Rendering of the SabreSat platfrom in VLEO. Credits: Redwire
Rendering of the SabreSat platform in VLEO. Credits: Redwire

VLEO will be a key domain in the future of defense and intelligence operations. Operating in VLEO, spacecraft are much closer to areas of interest on the ground. At the same time, by operating above airborne air-denial zones and below the hazards present in LEO, satellites offer greater resilience, security, and cost efficiency.

To extend operations in the VLEO environment, SabreSat will be equipped with air-breathing engines that capture, ionize, and accelerate the low-density air present at those altitudes. In June, Redwire was awarded a contract by the DARPA agency for the demonstration of propulsion capabilities in VLEO using the company’s SabreSat platform.

Redwire is also developing a European-built VLEO satellite as part of the European Space Agency’s Skimsat mission.

With this latest important acquisition, Redwire aims to bridge the gap between airborne and space-based systems more effectively.


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About Edge Autonomy

Born in 2021 from the merger of UAV Factory and Jennings Aeronautics, Edge Autonomy is a leader in the development and production of autonomous military systems, advanced optics, and energy solutions. The company has manufacturing and flight test facilities in the USA and UE.

Edge Autonomy leverages an extensive mission heritage and strong relationships with the US Department of Defense, Special Operation Forces, and international partners. The main products, the Stalker and Penguin UAV series are optimized for long-range reconnaissance and surveillance

The Penguin C UAV system. Credits: Edge Autonomy
The Penguin C UAV system. Credits: Edge Autonomy

Under the Biden administration, starting officially in 2023, the Penguin C system was supplied to the Ukrainian army and used in the ongoing war with the Russian Federation. To date, the quantities of systems sent remain unknown.


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Francesco Sebastiano Moro

Francesco Sebastiano Moro

Aerospace engineering student at University of Padua, passionate of space and aerospace sector.

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