Approach Venture

SBIR 24.3 Direct to Phase II award notifications were released this morning - congratulations to all teams selected. #aerospaceanddefense #governmentsolicitations #spacetechnology

SpaceX Updates Rideshare Requirements: Additive Manufactured Tanks Discouraged SpaceX has issued an important update to its Rideshare Payload User’s Guide (RPUG), significantly tightening requirements for pressure vessels flying on Falcon 9. What’s Changed: Design & Test Requirements. According to the revised guidelines, SpaceX strongly prefers United States Department of Transportation (US DOT)–certified tanks that operate within published limits and approved working fluids. Tanks lacking DOT certification, referred to in Section 5.5.2.2 as “Non-US DOT Pressure Vessels,” now require a detailed review of their qualification and acceptance testing. The guide also introduces the “15% Rule,” prohibiting Type 2, 3, 4, or 5 pressurized-structure tanks if non-pressure loading accounts for more than 15 percent of the maximum combined flight stress. A notable shift is the restriction of additively manufactured (AM) tanks. While SpaceX hints that future screening methods may eventually permit these tanks, for now, any payload provider using AM must alert the company early in the design and integration process. If teams fail to disclose an AM tank, they risk having their hardware disallowed altogether. In Section 5.5.1, Table 5-6 outlines the specific design and test factors for different pressure components. Next Steps for Prospective Rideshare Customers. Review Section 5.5 and Table 5-6 thoroughly to ensure understanding of design and test factors for your specific vessel type—particularly yield and burst pressures. If you are considering additively manufactured (AM) tanks, contact SpaceX immediately. Although the latest guide currently prohibits AM tanks, there may be a narrow path for approval if you engage with SpaceX’s engineering team early. Delaying or failing to disclose the use of AM could jeopardize your mission viability. Next, verify all pressurized loading cases. Any non-pressure loads on pressurized-structure tanks must not exceed 15% of the total stress; if your design is near this threshold, be prepared for additional testing or revisions as laid out in Section 6.8.3. If your tank lacks DOT certification, plan for substantial paperwork and testing. This includes submitting a qualification and acceptance test plan that demonstrates compliance with AIAA and AFSPC 91-710 standards, emphasizing your vessel’s safety and reliability. Finally, maintain a “Plan B.” If you are set on using AM technology but cannot secure approval in time, consider a backup design featuring traditional manufacturing or a DOT-certified solution. This approach can help you avoid costly delays and keep your mission on track despite the stricter requirements.  #additivemanufacturing #propellanttanks #spaceexploration #launchservices

A well-funded space company on the East Coast is actively hiring for several engineering positions. Very strong leadership team, compelling mission and competitive salary / benefits. Contact Torey Bell or email recruiting@approachventure.com to be considered. #spaceexploration #hiring

Attending Space Systems Command event at THE BR-DGE? Contact Approach to connect live. https://lnkd.in/gWM6-_tP

A stealth space company headquartered in Smoky Hollow (El Segundo) is seeking a fast-moving BD operator who understands both commercial and government space. Also required is a no task too small mentality. Email resumes to recruiting@approachventure.com or contact Torey Bell directly. #businessdevelopment #spaceexploration

SpaceX Updates Rideshare Requirements: Additive Manufactured Tanks Discouraged SpaceX has issued an important update to its Rideshare Payload User’s Guide (RPUG), significantly tightening requirements for pressure vessels flying on Falcon 9. What’s Changed: Design & Test Requirements. According to the revised guidelines, SpaceX strongly prefers United States Department of Transportation (US DOT)–certified tanks that operate within published limits and approved working fluids. Tanks lacking DOT certification, referred to in Section 5.5.2.2 as “Non-US DOT Pressure Vessels,” now require a detailed review of their qualification and acceptance testing. The guide also introduces the “15% Rule,” prohibiting Type 2, 3, 4, or 5 pressurized-structure tanks if non-pressure loading accounts for more than 15 percent of the maximum combined flight stress. A notable shift is the restriction of additively manufactured (AM) tanks. While SpaceX hints that future screening methods may eventually permit these tanks, for now, any payload provider using AM must alert the company early in the design and integration process. If teams fail to disclose an AM tank, they risk having their hardware disallowed altogether. In Section 5.5.1, Table 5-6 outlines the specific design and test factors for different pressure components. Next Steps for Prospective Rideshare Customers. Review Section 5.5 and Table 5-6 thoroughly to ensure understanding of design and test factors for your specific vessel type—particularly yield and burst pressures. If you are considering additively manufactured (AM) tanks, contact SpaceX immediately. Although the latest guide currently prohibits AM tanks, there may be a narrow path for approval if you engage with SpaceX’s engineering team early. Delaying or failing to disclose the use of AM could jeopardize your mission viability. Next, verify all pressurized loading cases. Any non-pressure loads on pressurized-structure tanks must not exceed 15% of the total stress; if your design is near this threshold, be prepared for additional testing or revisions as laid out in Section 6.8.3. If your tank lacks DOT certification, plan for substantial paperwork and testing. This includes submitting a qualification and acceptance test plan that demonstrates compliance with AIAA and AFSPC 91-710 standards, emphasizing your vessel’s safety and reliability. Finally, maintain a “Plan B.” If you are set on using AM technology but cannot secure approval in time, consider a backup design featuring traditional manufacturing or a DOT-certified solution. This approach can help you avoid costly delays and keep your mission on track despite the stricter requirements.  #additivemanufacturing #propellanttanks #spaceexploration #launchservices

All space companies looking to launch with SpaceX using AM tanks should read the below. U.S. Department of Transportation #additivemanufacturing #launchservices

SpaceX Updates Rideshare Requirements: Additive Manufactured Tanks Discouraged SpaceX has issued an important update to its Rideshare Payload User’s Guide (RPUG), significantly tightening requirements for pressure vessels flying on Falcon 9. What’s Changed: Design & Test Requirements. According to the revised guidelines, SpaceX strongly prefers United States Department of Transportation (US DOT)–certified tanks that operate within published limits and approved working fluids. Tanks lacking DOT certification, referred to in Section 5.5.2.2 as “Non-US DOT Pressure Vessels,” now require a detailed review of their qualification and acceptance testing. The guide also introduces the “15% Rule,” prohibiting Type 2, 3, 4, or 5 pressurized-structure tanks if non-pressure loading accounts for more than 15 percent of the maximum combined flight stress. A notable shift is the restriction of additively manufactured (AM) tanks. While SpaceX hints that future screening methods may eventually permit these tanks, for now, any payload provider using AM must alert the company early in the design and integration process. If teams fail to disclose an AM tank, they risk having their hardware disallowed altogether. In Section 5.5.1, Table 5-6 outlines the specific design and test factors for different pressure components. Next Steps for Prospective Rideshare Customers. Review Section 5.5 and Table 5-6 thoroughly to ensure understanding of design and test factors for your specific vessel type—particularly yield and burst pressures. If you are considering additively manufactured (AM) tanks, contact SpaceX immediately. Although the latest guide currently prohibits AM tanks, there may be a narrow path for approval if you engage with SpaceX’s engineering team early. Delaying or failing to disclose the use of AM could jeopardize your mission viability. Next, verify all pressurized loading cases. Any non-pressure loads on pressurized-structure tanks must not exceed 15% of the total stress; if your design is near this threshold, be prepared for additional testing or revisions as laid out in Section 6.8.3. If your tank lacks DOT certification, plan for substantial paperwork and testing. This includes submitting a qualification and acceptance test plan that demonstrates compliance with AIAA and AFSPC 91-710 standards, emphasizing your vessel’s safety and reliability. Finally, maintain a “Plan B.” If you are set on using AM technology but cannot secure approval in time, consider a backup design featuring traditional manufacturing or a DOT-certified solution. This approach can help you avoid costly delays and keep your mission on track despite the stricter requirements.  #additivemanufacturing #propellanttanks #spaceexploration #launchservices

Space Systems Command’s Small Business Office (SBO) will be hosting its first SSC Subcontracting Forum at THE BR-DGE here in El Segundo. The theme for this event is Pathways to Primes: Subcontracting Opportunities in the Space Industry. This forum will provide an opportunity for SSC’s large prime contractors and SBO's small business industrial base to connect for the purpose of discussing teaming arrangements, strategic partnerships, and upcoming subcontracting opportunities within USSF acquisitions. This forum is open to acquisition and procurement leaders representing current and potential industry partners, SSC requirement owners, and SSC contracting officers across the Command. Dress for Military is OCPs or equivalent, and Civilian is Business Casual. The following organizations have confirmed their participation: - Parsons Corporation - General Atomics - Boeing - Lockheed Martin - ENSCO, Inc. - RTX - The Aerospace Corporation - LinQuest - Amentum Registration link in comments.

Great opportunity for A&D startups to buy down NRE / risk. If you’re looking for support, contact proposalwriting@approachventure.com. #proposalwriting #businessdevelopment