Imetalx

Based in Sausalito, California, Imetalx, Inc. operates within the aerospace and defense sector, focusing on in-space servicing and environmental management solutions. The company was founded in 2013 by CEO Nehal Gajjar, who brings over two decades of experience in leading high-tech startups from concept to commercialization in fields like aerospace, defense, and unmanned systems. His background includes a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia-Tech and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. He is joined by CTO and co-founder Alex Fleming, who has a 20-year history of work in unmanned undersea vehicles, military jet engines, and propulsion systems.

The firm targets both government and commercial clients, with a notable record of working with the US Space Force and US Air Force. Its business revolves around providing technologies that support the sustainability and accessibility of space. This is achieved through a suite of services including Space Domain Awareness (SDA), active debris removal, and on-orbit servicing. Imetalx develops and deploys autonomous systems, edge computing platforms, sensor integration, and propulsion management to help clients maintain satellite operations, manage space assets, and reduce orbital debris.

A key product is the "Optical Fence," an agile constellation of space-based sensors designed to detect, track, and characterize objects smaller than ten centimeters in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO). Another significant offering is the "Willow," a Rendezvous Proximity and Docking Kit. This system enables precise autonomous maneuvers for maintenance tasks such as docking, repairing, repositioning, and refueling satellites, thereby extending their operational lifespan and return on investment. The company leverages sophisticated sensors and algorithms to provide comprehensive imagery and data, crucial for safeguarding space assets. Imetalx has participated in several accelerator programs, including the Catalyst Accelerator powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory, to advance its technology for the national defense ecosystem.

Keywords: Space Domain Awareness, in-space servicing, active debris removal, satellite life extension, aerospace, defense, autonomous space systems, space sustainability, orbital debris tracking, rendezvous and proximity operations, edge computing in space, unmanned systems, propulsion systems, Nehal Gajjar, Alex Fleming, Optical Fence, Willow kit, Catalyst Accelerator, US Space Force contractor, Air Force Research Laboratory