Aerostar International expands reach with acquisition of Near Space Corporation

Aerostar International expands reach with acquisition of Near Space Corporation
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 02, 2024

A significant leap in Aerostar International LLC's quest for growth and innovation in the aerospace and defense industries was achieved with the recent acquisition of Near Space Corporation, a prominent player in high-altitude flight testing and aerospace engineering, based in Tillamook, Oregon.

Founded in 1996, Near Space Corporation has distinguished itself through its contributions to critical aerospace projects. These include conducting drop tests for Boeing's Starliner parachute systems, developing planetary balloon systems for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory aimed at Venus exploration, and crafting the air barrier for the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module on the ISS. Moreover, it oversees the Tillamook Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Range, an essential part of the national UAS testing infrastructure.

This acquisition integrates Tillamook's advantageous geographic location and technological capabilities with Aerostar's operations, promising enhanced service delivery to clients. The Tillamook facility is strategically positioned for Pacific high-altitude balloon missions and proximal to essential customer sites. Its range offers a prime testing ground for radar and stratospheric platforms, enhancing operational synergy. Near Space's high-altitude NS3 gliding UAS and Space Materials expertise are poised to expand Aerostar and TCOM's market reach significantly.

Jim Nelson, Aerostar's President, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting the alignment of Near Space's technology and team with Aerostar's culture and mission. He emphasized the merger's role in bolstering Aerostar's global leadership in high-altitude, lighter-than-air technology.

Near Space's CEO, Tim Lachenmeier, reflected on the company's evolution from its initial focus on high-altitude flight testing to a broadened scope of operations, expressing pride in the team's achievements and optimism for its future under Aerostar's stewardship.

Ron Bendlin, CEO of TCOM, noted the acquisition's potential to augment the portfolio with responsive, reliable solutions for enhanced situational awareness and depth sensing, underscoring the commitment to addressing modern military challenges.