ISS National Lab selects eight startups for Orbital Edge Accelerator

The International Space Station National Laboratory has selected eight startups for its 2026 Orbital Edge Accelerator program. The initiative provides participating companies with access to low Earth orbit (LEO) for research and technology development, alongside private investments ranging from $500,000 to $750,000.

The program is divided into two tracks: Sentinel, which focuses on space technologies and dual-use applications, and Disrupt, which centers on biotechnology and in-space manufacturing.

In the Sentinel track, Aspect Aerospace is developing mass-produced single-board satellites for very low Earth orbit (VLEO) networks. Mithril Space is working on lightweight electrostatic reflectors for radar and space domain awareness. Polaris Semiconductor is contributing photonic-designed linear regulators for space electronics, and Vaxon Space is developing VLEO satellites featuring air-breathing propulsion systems.