About Us

The advancement of propulsion is a cornerstone to the advancement of humans in space.

-Jim McKinnon, Founder and CEO

Founded in 1997 by Jim McKinnon and incorporated in 2014, Frontier Aerospace Corporation (formerly Frontier Engineering) emerged from McKinnon's extensive experience at Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. Today, we specialize in the conceptualization, design, and additive manufacturing of innovative in-space and launch system rocket propulsion, transforming pioneering ideas into flight-ready reality.

Driven To Be The Best

Backed by AE Ventures investments for manufacturing and test infrastructure built to support high volume production, Frontier Aerospace develops innovative hypergolic engines and propulsion systems for commercial, civil, and national security space missions. We employ a proven rapid development approach that produces reliable, mission-optimized, and extensively tested propulsion systems. Frontier delivers end-to-end propulsion solutions spanning concept development, design, manufacturing, testing, qualification, and production. Its flight-ready engines are optimized to be used in missions ranging from Earth’s atmosphere to the Moon and beyond.

Key Markets We Support

  • NASA / Civil Space

  • Lunar Landers

  • Commercial Space

  • Satellite Maneuvering

  • Deep Space Exploration

  • Earth Observation

  • Space Debris Management/Removal

  • Manufacturing in Orbit

  • Human Spaceflight

  • Missile Defense

Timeline

  • 2010-2018: Foundations

    -Developed successful USG ABM EKV F-series thrusters

    -Demoed equal volumes high-Pc F-series thruster for MDA

    -Achieved highest storable thruster chamber pressure w/stable combustion

    -1st stable ops of cold prop TALOS thrusters

  • 2019-2020: Direct Sales

    -Awarded 3 NASA CLPS contracts to supply lunar lander thrusters (TALOS and F-Series)

    -Set industry record for cold thruster operation (-40°F) for deep space missions

    -Completed demo of Sentinel Post-Boost (500 lbf-class F-Series) Main Engine for GBSD

  • 2021-2022: Flight Deliveries

    -Began build of in-house vacuum test stands in Victorville, CA

    -Initial award of 25 lbf next-generation M-Series RCS thruster contract from major prime

    -1st TALOS thrusters for Peregrine lunar lander delivered

    -Expanded to 24,000 sq ft facility in Newbury Park, CA

  • 2023-2025: Growth

    -Vacuum test facility operational

    -Multiple engine design/build for human spaceflight

    -Space flight heritage. 1st TALOS thrusters to operate in space

    -Awarded 500 lbf F-Series divert thruster flight contract for missile interceptor

    -Achieved AS9100 Certification