Rendezvous Robotics Emerges Out of Stealth Mode with $3 Million in Seed Funding

Rendezvous Robotics, a space infrastructure builder using modular, autonomous systems that assemble in orbit, led by Dr. Ariel Ekblaw, Phil C. Frank, Joe Landon, Kim Jennett, Gerry Hudak, and others, emerged out of stealth mode with $3 million in seed funding led by Aurelia Foundry and 8090 Industries, with participation from ATX Venture Partners, Mana Ventures, and a group of other significant angel investors.

Rendezvous, spun out from MIT’s Aurelia Institute, is developing large-scale orbital infrastructure with its patented TESSERAE technology, led by a team with backgrounds at SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, and Nokia.

Rendezvous is transforming space infrastructure by launching modular tiles that autonomously assemble in orbit using swarm robotics and electromagnetic formation flying. The system creates scalable, reconfigurable, and resilient platforms for national security, commerce, and exploration, overcoming the limitations of traditional rocket payloads.

Rendezvous has proven its technology through parabolic flights, Blue Origin’s New Shepard, and two ISS missions, and is now advancing toward large-scale, self-assembling systems capable of enduring harsh space environments.

Rendezvous plans to showcase its 5th-generation technology on the ISS in early 2026, marking its third orbital demonstration and a key step toward building large, mission-specific infrastructure in space.