Humans have come a long way in terms of aviation since first taking to the skies in 1903, continuing to soar ever higher until Sputnik 1 finally broke through the atmosphere in 1957. Since that pivotal moment, the aerospace industry has evolved to cover more ground so we can continue exploring upward. We now have an International Space Station operating as our collective hub for all travel to the stars, several locations serving as launch points and an entire workforce devoted to innovation and the constant pursuit of new frontiers.
Houston is one of the largest hubs for aerospace research, development and manufacturing in the world, with many companies and organizations calling the city home due to the proximity to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Though their focuses vary, these aerospace companies in Houston are pivotal to making the most of our skies, both above and below the atmospheric layer.
Aerospace Companies In Houston To Know
- Airbus
- Axiom Space
- Bristow Group
- InTech Aerospace
- Intuitive Machines
- Million Air
- Oceaneering
- Johnson Space Center
Founded: 2007
What they do: ForeFlight makes software for pilots and flight crews, specializing in what are known as electronic flight bags. These digital assets allow pilots to perform processes and functions — such as making planning calculations and managing charts and maps — that once required physical tools and paperwork. ForeFlight says it was one of the first companies to develop and market this technology.
Founded: 2018
What they do: Cognitive Space is on a mission to make satellites and orbital machinery fully autonomous, facilitating better reliability as we continue to learn more about what exists just outside our atmosphere. With satellite technology in orbit expected to increase twenty fold in the next decade alone, Cognitive Space’s research and development of technology will be crucial in managing the operation of each device.
Founded: 1964
What they do: Oceaneering is a major figure in industries like aerospace, maritime, and oil & gas, providing a vast selection of integrated solutions to conquer even the largest industrial and infrastructural challenges. Located adjacent to the Johnson Space Center campus, Oceaneering Space Systems focuses its attention on turnkey design, development, manufacturing, certification, maintenance, testing, and maintenance of space-based robotics, automation, satellites, human space flight systems and thermal protection systems.
Founded: 2003
What they do: Airbus is a manufacturer and provider of aircraft, helicopters, military transports, satellites and launch vehicles, along with various pieces of support equipment to keep pilots and passengers secure at all times. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies, digital capabilities and scientific excellence, Airbus aims at keeping the world better connected when producing vehicles and crafts for both everyday and emergency use.
Founded: 2012
What they do: Arch Aerial offers end-to-end commercial drone services designed to provide crucial overhead imaging capabilities to organizations in the energy and construction industries. Services include aerial mapping, 3D modeling, facility inspection, pipeline documentation and emergency planning, delivering insights to site managers in record time for effective planning.
Founded: 2015
What they do: Axiom Space supports innovation both on the ground and in our atmosphere. Offering spaceflight training, manufacturing capabilities, space exploration research and critical systems development, the company is key in supporting further travel into outer space — recently announcing plans to pioneer the first private, commercial flight to the International Space Station.
Founded: 1955
What they do: Bristow Group is a provider of industrial aviation solutions, specializing in helicopters of various sizes with use-cases spanning multiple industries. Their fleet of nearly 300 vehicles allows the company to provide tailored solutions to the oil and gas industry, as well as short-distance transportation capabilities that prioritize safety with top-tier equipment and industry-leading regulations.
Founded: 2017
What they do: Cemvita Factory’s multidisciplinary team leverages unique scientific and logistical capabilities to develop carbon-negative solutions that impact companies involved in deep space exploration, mining and the petrochemical industry. Reducing the use of carbon is key to combating the detrimental effects of the ongoing climate crisis, and Cemvita Factory’s various platforms provide tailored ways to be efficient while facilitating development across crucial industries.
Founded: 2015
What they do: Hylio develops drone technology that lessens the physical burden of crop spraying in fields. Aerial drones from Hylio have a capacity to hold six gallons of feed and allow farmers and agriculturalists to bring more precision across fields while using less product.
Founded: 2012
What they do: InTech Aerospace are providers of rugged and efficient interiors for commercial aircraft. Their products provide quality aesthetics and high performance capabilities that bring planes of any size into the modern age. The company utilizes custom molds and thermoforming equipment to bring comfort and durability to any aircraft.
Founded: 2013
What they do: Intuitive Machines manufactures autonomous space exploration technologies that facilitate and offer solutions to a variety of aerospace challenges. Offering cradle-to-grave aerospace engineering, integration and testing services, Intuitive Machines has been involved in the development of the Universal Return Vehicle, lunar lander designs, ISS payload systems, satellite systems and additional advancements.
Founded: 1996
What they do: Mercury Fuels is an independent aviation fuel provider empowering the aerospace industry with customized solutions that keep the skies open for travel. Contract fuel, bulk fuel, fuel management, delivery logistics, inventory management and credit/processing services are available, along with customized solutions to provide optimal value to aviation clients.
Founded: 1984
What they do: Million Air provides aircraft operators and personnel with luxury experiences upon arrival at airports, hangers and docking locations within its network. From offloading and maintenance services to conference rooms, luxury crew cars, lounges, refreshments and private events, Million Air acts as an extension of aviation crews to ensure the wellness of both machinery and those who operate it.
Founded: 2010
What they do: Operating on the Johnson Space Center campus, Waypoint 2 Space offers both civilians and those participating in space operations with focused training, utilizing top-tier advanced equipment and facilities. Ideal for those wanting to be involved in the aerospace industry or make their way into orbit, real-time training courses at Waypoint 2 Space are available at three levels, each immersive enough to prepare, test and ready students for the rigors of space.
Founded: 1961
What they do: The Johnson Space Center is the home base for NASA flights into orbit, with its famed Mission Control Center operating as a hub for every human space mission since Gemini IV in 1965. Additional facilities on the campus include the Spacecraft Analysis Room where engineering and scientific personnel work to deliver additional support to MCC operators, as well as the Space Center Houston museum that provides civilians with viewpoints into NASA’s rigorous process.
