Redwire Acquires Edge Autonomy for $925 Million

Redwire Corporation has announced the acquisition of Edge Autonomy, a leading producer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), for $925 million. The deal consists of $150 million in cash and $775 million in RDW stock, with Edge Autonomy becoming a subsidiary of Redwire after the transaction is completed. This merger creates a global leader in autonomous space and defense technologies, expanding Redwire’s portfolio to include both satellite platforms and advanced unmanned aerial systems (drones) designed for military and intelligence missions.

Financial Growth and Strategic Expansion

The acquisition will have an immediate positive impact on Redwire’s finances, boosting its revenue, EBITDA, and free cash flow. The company forecasts that its 2025 revenue will range from $535 million to $605 million, with EBITDA expected to reach between $70 million and $105 million. This move strengthens Redwire’s position in the defense sector, providing a broad range of autonomous solutions from Earth to the Moon and beyond.

Edge Autonomy’s Expertise and Technological Innovation

Edge Autonomy is an experienced supplier of military technologies, collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense, special forces, and international allies. The company’s Stalker and Penguin drone series are key to long-duration reconnaissance missions, providing vital real-time operational data. These drones enhance Redwire’s capabilities in space and defense technologies, offering cutting-edge solutions for operational intelligence.

Investing in Orbital and Aerospace Technologies

In addition to expanding its terrestrial defense technologies, Redwire is also investing in orbital technologies, including space drones in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) that integrate satellite systems with aerospace technologies. By merging its systems with Edge Autonomy, Redwire is now positioned to provide complete solutions for defense operations on Earth, the Moon, and beyond.

Peter Cannito, CEO of Redwire, emphasized that this acquisition further cements the company’s leadership in the autonomous defense systems market. With a team of 600 employees and 265,000 square feet of production space, Edge Autonomy brings valuable experience and potential for the continued development of space and defense technologies.

Redwire Delivers Another Pair of IROSA Solar Panels for the ISS

Redwire Corporation has successfully delivered its fourth pair of Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA) for the International Space Station (ISS), a critical milestone for ongoing space missions. These new solar panels will significantly increase the station’s power availability, supporting vital scientific experiments and space operations.

Since 2021, six sets of IROSA panels have been installed on the ISS, providing over 20 kW of power per panel for more than a decade. With a full set of eight wings, the panels will supply the ISS with more than 160 kW of power, ensuring a sustainable energy source for future operations. The new panels are undergoing integration at Kennedy Space Center ahead of their launch on an upcoming resupply mission.

Redwire is also developing ROSA technology for other space missions, including NASA’s Gateway program, a key component of the Artemis missions, as well as the Lunar Vertical Solar Array project, which will help power sustainable energy sources on the Moon.

Advancements in Planetary Defense

ROSA technology has already proven its effectiveness in space, powering NASA’s DART mission, which successfully altered the orbit of the Dimorphos asteroid in 2022, showcasing its potential for planetary defense.

Redwire to Provide Camera Technology for Firefly’s Lunar Mission

In another exciting development, Redwire will provide advanced camera systems for Firefly Aerospace’s first lunar mission, Blue Ghost. These systems will include 12 flight cameras, a navigation processor, and two reflectors that will play a crucial role in landing and mission operations. The cameras will assist in terrain mapping and ensuring a safe, autonomous landing on the Moon’s surface.

The Blue Ghost 1 mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, aimed at advancing commercial scientific and technological missions on the Moon. The mission is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center no earlier than mid-January 2025.

Redwire’s cameras have a long history of spaceflight experience, having supported NASA’s Artemis I mission and other NASA CLPS projects. The company will also supply imaging systems for Firefly’s Blue Ghost 2 mission, which will include nine cameras, reflectors, and a navigation processor.

Stock Performance and Investor Confidence

Redwire’s stock (RDW) has seen impressive growth, rising 25% in the past month and 685% over the past year. This surge reflects investor optimism and the company’s progress in achieving key milestones, signaling a bright future in both the space and defense industries.