ThinkOrbital Secures Funding for 2026 Orbital Construction Missions with SpaceX-Like Partner

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ThinkOrbital Secures Funding for 2026 Orbital Construction Missions with SpaceX-Like Partner

A man works on a machine in a laboratory with various objects on the table and machines in the background, with a NASA logo on the wall suggesting the machine is a satellite.
Alex Duffy
Alex Duffy
2 Min.

ThinkOrbital Secures Funding for 2026 Orbital Construction Missions with SpaceX-Like Partner

ThinkOrbital, a startup focused on space infrastructure, has secured early-stage funding to advance its orbital construction plans. The company is preparing two key missions in 2026 to test X-ray technology for in-space manufacturing and assembly, with one mission planned with Argo Space, a company similar to SpaceX. Investors and research partners are backing its vision for large-scale orbital facilities like data centres.

The company recently closed a seed funding round led by TFX Capital. These funds will support development of in-space X-ray imaging and autonomous construction systems. ThinkOrbital aims to create infrastructure such as orbital data centres in the long term.

Its first demonstration mission is set for March 2026. An X-ray detector panel will fly aboard a spacecraft built by Argo Space. The technology could enable inspection, robotic tooling, welding, and assembly for both commercial and government projects.

ThinkOrbital is also working with Georgia Tech University on a U.S. Space Force-funded study. The research explores how to base assets in space for future operations. A second test mission is planned for October 2026, though no carrier partners have been announced as of February 2026.

The March launch will mark the first real-world test of ThinkOrbital's X-ray systems in orbit. If successful, the technology may support automated construction and maintenance of space-based infrastructure. The company's progress depends on upcoming mission results and continued funding.