Evolution Space
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Steve Heller, Riley Meik |
| Headquarters | Mojave, California , United States |
Key people | Steve Heller (CEO) |
| Products | Solid-fuel rocket propulsion systems, launch vehicles, launch services |
Evolution Space is a U.S.-based private aerospace firm that focuses on solid propulsion technology and small-scale launch operations. Established in 2018 by CEO Steve Heller alongside Riley Meik, the company operates out of Mojave, California.
History
Initially launched as Sugarhouse Aerospace, the enterprise targeted affordable space access and suborbital launches from Spaceport America. In 2021, under Steve Heller’s guidance, it adopted the name Evolution Space and executed its inaugural flight under this branding in November of the same year.
On April 22, 2023, Evolution Space successfully completed its first mission surpassing the Kármán line with the Gold Chain Cowboy sounding rocket.
Propulsion
Evolution Space develops and produces solid-fuel rocket propulsion systems and launch vehicles tailored for defense and space industry applications.
In October 2022, the company tested the propulsion system intended for the Gold Chain Cowboy flight, achieving a peak thrust of 20,000 pounds, chamber pressure of 1,630 psi, and a burn duration of 15 seconds.
By May 2023, Evolution Space had broadened its portfolio to supply solid propulsion systems in addition to launch services. It collaborated with The Spaceport Company to conduct test launches from an offshore floating platform located in the Gulf of Mexico—representing the first commercial rocket launch from U.S. territorial waters.
Launch
The company’s maiden full-scale solid-propellant rocket mission, titled Too Busy Chasing Stars, took place in November 2021, reaching a maximum altitude of 188,444 feet and attaining a velocity near Mach 3.95.
To verify enhancements to their systems, Evolution Space carried out two sub-scale test flights: No More Questions in May 2022 and Expressionless in February 2023.
The milestone spaceflight Gold Chain Cowboy was completed on April 22, 2023, achieving an apogee of 408,456 feet (approximately 124.5 km) and a top speed of Mach 5.2. This mission included a payload from Uplift Aerospace containing two silver figurines created via 3D printing by artist Chad Knight. A malfunction with the drogue parachute resulted in a higher than anticipated descent velocity.
| Launch | Launch Date | Vehicle Type | Height (ft) | Diameter (in) | Weight (lbs) | Launch Site | Payload | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | November 13, 2021 | Sounding rocket prototype | 18' | 10" | F.A.R. | 188,444 feet | ||
| 2 | May 22, 2022 | Sub-scale sounding rocket prototype | ||||||
| 3 | February 18, 2023 | Sub-scale sounding rocket prototype | 7' | 3" | 30 lbs | F.A.R. | 48,000 feet | |
| 4 | April 22, 2023 | Gold Chain Cowboy - Sounding rocket prototype | 22' | 10" | 900 lbs | F.A.R. | Uplift Aerospace | 408,456 feet |