Aerospace and defense company emerges from stealth to build Star Reacher Network, a new mobility infrastructure layer for the space economy
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (June 10, 2026) — Applied Atomics, a transatlantic aerospace and defense company developing next-generation in-space mobility infrastructure, has emerged from stealth and entered the U.S. market from Fairfax County, Virginia.
The company announced more than $500 million in letters of intent and memoranda of understanding, along with a $4 million oversubscribed pre-seed financing round led by Oxford Science Enterprises. Applied Atomics is building Star Reacher Network, a first-of-its-kind in-space mobility network designed to support orbital logistics, national security missions, satellite servicing and future space infrastructure deployment.
“The biggest constraint in space is no longer getting there, it’s how we move once we’re there,” said Ashley Modeste Johnson, Founder and CEO of Applied Atomics. “The future space economy, from national security missions and orbital logistics to satellite servicing and infrastructure deployment, depends on mobility. We believe that freedom of movement in space will become one of the defining infrastructure challenges of the century, and Applied Atomics is being built to solve it.”
Building the Next Infrastructure Layer of the Space Economy
Applied Atomics is developing Star Reacher Network as a mobility infrastructure layer for post-launch space operations. The network combines multimode propulsion, AI-enabled missions and orbital logistics to address a long-standing challenge in space: balancing speed, efficiency and flexibility once assets are in orbit.
The company’s technology is designed to make in-space movement more:
- Scalable
- Responsive
- Efficient
- Commercially accessible
- Adaptable across orbital regimes
- Relevant to both commercial and national security space operations
Applied Atomics aims to support the next phase of the space economy, where mobility, maneuverability and on-orbit logistics are expected to become critical capabilities for governments, satellite operators and space infrastructure providers.
Applied Atomics Gains Global Traction Across Aerospace and Defense
Since its founding, Applied Atomics has gained support from leading organizations across the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom. The company has been selected, backed and advised by groups focused on advancing breakthrough technologies for commercial space, defense and national security operations.
Applied Atomics was selected by NATO DIANA, NATO’s innovation engine created to identify, accelerate and deploy disruptive dual-use technologies across the alliance’s 32 countries. The company was chosen for NATO DIANA’s Resilient Space Operations challenge from a pool of more than 3,600 applicants worldwide.
The company was also selected by Airbus Defence and Space as one of only three companies nationally for its inaugural Launchpad residency, which is reserved for ventures with breakthrough potential.
Additional support and recognition include:
- Thales Alenia Space
- European Space Agency BIC
- UK Space Agency accelerator
- NVIDIA Inception
- Aramco Ventures
- E2MC
- Bravo Victor Venture Capital
- Raptor Group
- Ante-Bellum angels
- Tiny Supercomputer Investment Company
- Carat Venture Partners
Applied Atomics was also twice awarded the UK Space Agency accelerator’s trajectory award and labeled as one of the pioneers shaping the future of the space industry.
Investment and Strategic Support from Global Space and Venture Leaders
Applied Atomics has attracted investment and attention from leaders in venture capital, space policy, exploration and national security.
Tim Draper, an early investor in SpaceX, Tesla, Robinhood and Baidu, selected Applied Atomics as Top Startup from a vetted Draper University cohort of roughly 70 high-potential companies. Draper also provided direct investment, connecting the company to one of the venture capital industry’s most recognized entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The company is advised by leaders with deep experience in space, defense and government, including:
- Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator and former U.S. Congressman
- David Parker, former CEO of the UK Space Agency and former Head of Exploration at the European Space Agency
- Shawn Barnes, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force
Applied Atomics already has technology scheduled to fly in orbit in 2026 on the Give Me Some Space mission, which was announced at the UK Parliament. A second on-orbit demonstration is also underway.
Fairfax County Serves as Applied Atomics’ U.S. Launchpad
Applied Atomics is entering the U.S. market from Fairfax County, Virginia, positioning the company within one of the world’s most influential aerospace, defense, intelligence and government ecosystems.
Located in Northern Virginia, Fairfax County offers close proximity to federal agencies, defense decision-makers, aerospace companies, investors and a deep technology workforce. The region is home to more than 150 space-related companies and thousands of technology firms.
“Space is becoming one of the defining economic and national security frontiers of the 21st century, and the companies shaping that future need to operate at the intersection of innovation, capital, talent and government,” said Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “Applied Atomics represents exactly the kind of visionary company we want to build their future here.”
McKay added that Fairfax County’s strengths in commercial space, advanced manufacturing, defense and emerging technologies make it a strong home for companies working to move transformative ideas from concept to global impact.
“With more than 150 space-related companies, thousands of technology firms and unparalleled proximity to industry leaders shaping the future of space, Northern Virginia has emerged as one of the world’s most important centers for space innovation,” McKay said. “We are proud that Applied Atomics has chosen Fairfax County as the springboard for its U.S. growth.”
Northern Virginia Strengthens Role in Space Innovation
As governments and commercial operators continue investing in space security, orbital logistics, lunar exploration and next-generation infrastructure, Applied Atomics believes mobility will become one of the most important enabling capabilities of the space economy.
“There’s no better launchpad for international space and defense companies than Northern Virginia,” said Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “The region offers unmatched access to federal decision-makers, aerospace leaders, investment capital and world-class talent.”
Hoskins said Fairfax County’s location at the center of the region’s space and defense ecosystem gives companies like Applied Atomics the proximity needed to scale globally.
“For companies building the technologies that will define the future of space, this proximity matters, and Fairfax County sits at the center of that ecosystem,” Hoskins said. “It continues to be our privilege to support cutting-edge innovators like Applied Atomics to scale globally from Northern Virginia.”
Applied Atomics Plans Additional Space Mobility Milestones
Applied Atomics expects to announce additional milestones in the coming months, including a second orbital demonstration, strategic partnerships and expanded mobility capabilities.
As the company continues building Star Reacher Network, Applied Atomics aims to help define the next era of space operations by enabling greater movement, flexibility and infrastructure deployment beyond launch.
For more information, visit appliedatomics.space.
Media Contacts
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
Contact: Robin Geiger
Email: rgeiger@fceda.org
Applied Atomics
Contact: Ashley Modeste Johnson
Email: ash@appliedatomics.space
