What Does Masten Space Systems Do?

Total employees6
HeadquartersMojave
Founded2004

Masten Space Systems was an American aerospace company founded in 2004 by David Masten, headquartered in Mojave, California. The company specialized in developing and flight-testing reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rockets, advanced propulsion systems, and lunar lander technologies. Masten gained prominence by winning the NASA Centennial Challenges Lunar Lander Challenge in 2009. They focused on providing affordable and reliable access to space, particularly for suborbital research flights and lunar surface missions. In July 2022, Masten Space Systems filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In September 2022, its assets, including key personnel and intellectual property, were acquired by Astrobotic Technology, which aims to integrate Masten's technologies into its lunar programs.

Where Is Masten Space Systems's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The Mojave headquarters served as the primary center for research, development, design, manufacturing, and testing of Masten's VTVL rockets and lander prototypes.

Notable Features:

Direct access to restricted airspace for flight testing, rocket engine test stands, and integration facilities. Co-located with other pioneering aerospace companies.

Work Culture:

Characterized by a lean, agile, and innovative 'NewSpace' culture. Emphasized rapid prototyping, iterative design, and hands-on engineering to achieve cost-effective and reliable spaceflight hardware.

HQ Significance:

The Mojave facility was crucial for Masten's pioneering work in reusable VTVL technology and their success in NASA's Lunar Lander Challenge, establishing them as a key player in low-cost access to space and lunar landing capabilities.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters reflected values of innovation, frugality, perseverance, and practical engineering solutions. The hands-on environment fostered rapid learning and adaptation.

Location:

Prior to its acquisition, Masten Space Systems' operations were primarily concentrated in the United States, specifically at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. Their business development and collaborations, however, had a global reach, engaging with international partners, customers for suborbital flights, and contributing to the global dialogue on lunar exploration. They did not maintain significant physical international offices. Post-acquisition, its technologies contribute to Astrobotic's global lunar mission objectives.

Street Address:

16240 Flight Rd, Hangar T

City:

Mojave

State/Province:

CA

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Masten Space Systems Operate Around the World?

N/A

Address: N/A

N/A

Buying Intent Signals for Masten Space Systems

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Masten Space Systems? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Masten Space Systems' leadership includes:

David Masten - Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Sean Mahoney - Chief Executive Officer (at time of acquisition)
Ben Howard - Chief Engineer
Reuben Garcia - Director of Technical Operations

Who's Investing in Masten Space Systems?

Masten Space Systems has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Draper Associates
Correlation Ventures
Catapult Ventures
Numerous private angel investors
NASA (via contracts, grants, and prize money from Centennial Challenges)

What Leadership Changes Has Masten Space Systems Seen Recently?

Hire0
ExitsSeveral (key leadership transitioned out post-acquisition)

The most significant executive changes at Masten Space Systems occurred in the context of its financial difficulties, Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in July 2022, and subsequent acquisition by Astrobotic Technology in September 2022. This led to the dissolution of its independent executive team as Masten's assets and some personnel were integrated into Astrobotic.

Departures

Sean Mahoney, Departed as CEO following the company's acquisition by Astrobotic.
David Masten, Role with independent Masten Space Systems ended with the Astrobotic acquisition.

New Appointments:

N/A, No new executive appointments were made to Masten Space Systems as an independent entity in its final months; the company was acquired and its leadership structure dissolved or integrated into Astrobotic.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byMasten Space Systems?

Discover the tools Masten Space Systems uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Masten Space Systems Email Formats and Examples

Prior to its acquisition by Astrobotic, Masten Space Systems likely utilized common corporate email formats. These email addresses are no longer active for Masten as an independent entity.

Likely [first_initial][last]@mastenspace.com or [first].[last]@mastenspace.com

Format

dmasten@mastenspace.com (example, historical and now defunct)

Example

0 (domain is defunct and company acquired)%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Masten Space Systems?

SpaceNewsSeptember 13, 2022

Astrobotic completes acquisition of Masten Space Systems

Astrobotic announced it finalized the acquisition of Masten Space Systems for $4.5 million. The deal includes Masten's portfolio of advanced space technology, including vertical takeoff and landing rocketry and lunar lander designs....more

Parabolic ArcAugust 29, 2022

Astrobotic Submits Winning $4.5 Million Bid for Masten Space Systems

Astrobotic Technology emerged as the winning bidder for the assets of bankrupt Masten Space Systems, offering $4.5 million in a court auction....more

CNBCJuly 29, 2022

Rocket builder Masten Space Systems files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Masten Space Systems, a company developing lunar landers and other spacecraft, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company cited financial difficulties, including changes to NASA contract terms and an inability to secure further funding....more

NASAApril 8, 2020

NASA Selects Masten to Deliver Artemis Science, Tech to the Moon

NASA selected Masten Space Systems to deliver and operate eight payloads – including nine science and technology instruments – to the Moon’s South Pole in 2022 using its XL-1 lander. (Note: This mission was later reassigned due to Masten's bankruptcy)....more

NASAOctober 30, 2009

Masten Space Systems Wins NASA's Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge (Level Two)

Masten Space Systems of Mojave, Calif., won first place in Level Two of NASA's Lunar Lander Challenge, taking home a $1 million prize. Their Xoie vehicle successfully demonstrated multiple takeoffs, flights, and precise landings....more

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