AMERGINT, don’t know them?
There is a space company that you might know about. Pay attention because this company just went on a growth spurt. In a series of press releases, the AMERGINT Technologies, Inc.’s story unfolded.
The employee-owned company specializes in delivering software-defined signal and protocol processing applications in the satellite ground, test, and data acquisition markets. AMERGINT is a sub-contractor for many high-profile projects for mission-critical communication and data paths through the capture, processing, transport and exploitation of vital mission data. AMERGINT centrally located its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Slowly AMERGINT increased market share and grew since it started in 2008. AMERGINT Technologies Holdings now acquired Tethers Unlimited and Raytheon’s Space-Based Precision Optics Business, making both sister companies with AMERGINT. The recent acquisitions expand the capabilities of the small company and nearly increases its number of employees by nearly double.
In April 2020, Raytheon Technologies’ Space-Based Precision Optics Business became part of AMERGINT Technologies Holdings. The business, which is part of Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business unit, is a leading technology provider of precision electro-optical systems for National Security Space missions and defense survivability needs.
“We are thrilled to work with Andreas Nonnenmacher and the team at Danbury. For as long as the United States has recognized the need to observe the Earth from space, this business has delivered technological breakthroughs to do so. We are proud to bring together their preeminent electro-optical capabilities with AMERGINT’s next generation solutions for capturing, processing, transporting and exploiting mission critical data.”
Larry Hill, CEO of AMERGINT Technology Holdings.
The addition of the Space-Based Optics Business adds capabilities to AMERGINT that will bolster its offering in the military, intelligence and commercial space sectors. AMERGINTs ability to deliver solutions to manage the capture, processing, transport and process vital mission data complements the optics capabilities gained from Raytheon.
“We are proud to add Raytheon Technologies’ storied precision-optics franchise to the AMERGINT partnership as we build a generational asset that focuses on delivering high performance national security space technologies. There has never been a more important time for technological advances in national security space applications and, together, AMERGINT and Danbury will continue to solve our partners’ toughest challenges to advance and protect U.S. interests.”
Robert Basil, Board Member of AMERGINT.
Another high profile company in the New Space industry is Tethers Unlimited(TUI). As a recognized name in the new-space solutions for the small satellite market, TUI allows AMERGINT additional capabilities for providing integrated end-to-end solutions for satellite communications.
“Joining forces with AMERGINT makes tremendous sense for Tethers Unlimited. Combining AMERGINT’s ground-based processors and modems with TUI’s software-defined satellite radios and mesh network solution enables us to provide flexible, affordable, secure and resilient end-to-end communications services that scale to meet the needs of the hybrid space architectures under development by the Space Force, the Space Development Agency, DARPA, USAF and the Intelligence Community.”
Dr. Rob Hoyt, TUI’s CEO.
TUI started 1994 by technologist Dr. Hoyt along with science fiction author Dr. Robert L. Forward. TUI pioneered many innovative space technologies. The merging of technology and science fiction allowed for some very interested concepts, including:
- Robotic systems for in-space servicing
- On-orbit manufacturing and assembly
- Advanced propulsion solutions for orbital maneuvering
- Orbital debris mitigation.
TUI also provides programmable radios for small satellites, advanced space propulsion modules, and systems for in-space manufacturing of spacecraft components. These components directly complement AMERGINTS core business.
“AMERGINT is thrilled to welcome Rob and the team at TUI into our family and to bring together two engineering-driven, technology organizations that are focused on solving our customers’ toughest challenges across the space ecosystem. At a time when our customers are increasingly focused on integrated communications and data networks, we are excited to close the link between software-defined solutions from the ground architecture to the spacecraft.”
Larry Hill, CEO of AMERGINT Technology Holdings.
Rob Andzik, president of AMERGINT noted, “bringing the expertise of TUI and AMERGINT together enables us to provide the space and defense sectors with the next generation of solutions to manage the capture, processing, transport and exploitation of vital mission data for communication and data links.”
Moving forward, AMERGINT, TUI and the newly acquired space-based optics division greatly increases the offering for integrated satellite communications offerings combining software-defined satellite radios with software-defined ground stations.
Tethers Unlimited also recently snagged five Phase I grant awards from NASA valued up to $125,000 each. NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, also known as SBIR and STTR funded the Phase I grants. The SBIR contracts last for six months, while STTR contracts last for 13 months. Should TUI successfully complete the Phase I projects, Phase II lasting 24-months valued up to $750,000 open as a possibility.
AMERGINT declined to offer any additional details on the acquisitions beyond the provided press releases except one key item. WestEastSpace asked about AMERGINT’s future:
With two acquisitions back to back, what measures are being taken to ensure that the company maintains that original feel and approach of a small and nimble company?
“…you asked about AMERGINT’s size and ability to be nimble. That doesn’t change. ” Spokesperson from AMERGINT responding to WESTEASTSPACE.COM
About The Author
Bill D’Zio
Co-Founder at WestEastSpace.com
Bill founded WestEastSpace.com after returning to China in 2019 to be supportive of his wife’s career. Moving to China meant leaving the US rocket/launch industry behind, as the USA and China don’t see eye to eye on cooperation in space. Bill has an engineering degree and is an experienced leader of international cross-functional teams with experience in evaluating, optimizing and awarding sub-contracts for complex systems. Bill has worked with ASME Components, Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) for use in launch vehicles, satellites, aerospace nuclear, and industrial applications.
Bill provides consulting services for engineering, supply chain, and project management.
