ThinkOrbital Secures Funding to Revolutionize Space Infrastructure with X-Ray Tech

ThinkOrbital, a startup specializing in space infrastructure, has secured seed funding led by TFX Capital. The investment will propel its work on in-space X-ray imaging and autonomous construction technologies, aiming to support both commercial and government missions in space.

The company is developing X-ray technology for tasks like inspection, robotic tooling, welding, and assembly. Two demonstration missions are scheduled to test these capabilities—one in March 2026 and another in October of the same year. The March mission will carry ThinkOrbital's X-ray detector panel aboard an Argo Space spacecraft.

The tests will evaluate long-range active X-ray inspection in space. Potential applications include diagnosing anomalies, servicing satellites, and enhancing national security through space domain awareness. Beyond these trials, ThinkOrbital is also working with Georgia Tech University on a U.S. Space Force-funded study. The research explores concepts for forward basing assets in space.

Co-founder and CEO Lee Rosen has stated the goal is to advance technology for X-ray inspection and in-space construction. The company has longer-term plans tied to large-scale orbital infrastructure, such as space-based data centres. As of February 2026, ThinkOrbital has engaged in discussions with SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin. These talks, highlighted at the 2025 International Astronautical Congress, focus on potential launch partnerships for their X-ray source satellite.

The seed funding will accelerate ThinkOrbital's development of X-ray imaging and construction systems for space. With demonstration missions planned for 2026, the company aims to prove its technology's effectiveness in space. Success could lead to broader applications in satellite servicing, infrastructure building, and national security operations.