Aerostar International, a part of TCOM’s portfolio of aerospace and defense companies, has purchased Near Space for an undisclosed sum as part of efforts to broaden its set of products and services, advance innovation and expand its presence in the aerospace and defense sector.
Near Space performs high-altitude flight testing, runs the Johnson Near Space Center at the Port of Tillamook Airport in Oregon and oversees the Tillamook Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Range, TCOM said Monday.
The company also backs balloon operations for NASA at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Texas under a partnership with Peraton.
With the acquisition, Aerostar plans to integrate Near Space’s experience with balloon launches and NS3 high-altitude gliding UAS with its Thunderstorm mission planning and command and control software.
“I’m excited to bring Near Space’s technology, location, and team members into the Aerostar team. They are well aligned to our culture and will drive forward our mission to connect, protect, and save lives,” said Jim Nelson, president of Aerostar.
Nelson added that the companies’ combined experience in the stratosphere will further strengthen Aerostar’s presence in the field of high-altitude lighter-than-air platforms.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Aerostar provides stratospheric balloon systems and radar platforms for customers in the aerospace and defense market.
