Quantum Space, a Rockville, Maryland-based company, has raised $40 million to further develop its Ranger spacecraft with a new focus on national security applications. The funding will support the advancement of Ranger, which was originally designed as part of the QuantumNet cislunar architecture.
Ranger is now being positioned as a highly maneuverable platform capable of hosting various payloads, including those for missile defense and commercial satellite servicing. According to Kerry Wisnosky, CEO of Quantum Space, the near-term focus is on demonstrating the ability of Ranger to provide national security capabilities, such as agile maneuverability and payload hosting.
The company plans to launch its first Ranger spacecraft in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a test flight mission that will prioritize high maneuverability in multiple orbits. Quantum Space is also exploring opportunities for Ranger in the Golden Dome missile defense system, which could significantly impact the company’s scalability plan.
In addition to national security applications, Ranger is being pursued for commercial uses, such as extending the lives of communications satellites in geostationary orbit. The company has engaged with at least 20 GEO satellite operators and is in serious discussions with several more.
For Wisnosky, the key benefit of Ranger lies in its ability to provide agile and persistent national security capabilities, which he believes are essential for achieving space superiority.
Source: https://spacenews.com/quantum-space-raises-40-million