We’ve Cracked the Code on Ecofriendly Propulsion Without Compromising Performance!
Developing high-performance ecofriendly propulsion technologies to enable sustainable, reliable, and affordable commercial access to space.
Revolutionizing Access To Space
Aphelion Aerospace is a satellite and spacecraft propulsion systems and service company on a mission to develop and sell high-performance, environmentally-friendly and low-cost propulsion products and enable the next generation of growth in the satellite industry while protecting people and the climate.
In addition to environmental and safety concerns, our products are an enabling technology for realizing truly responsive and rapid launch by addressing the associated requirements of the spacecraft.
We aim to revolutionize operations in the space environment from low-Earth orbit to deep space missions.. Our objectives are as follows:
- To develop and sell low cost, environmentally-friendly, high-performance satellite and spacecraft propulsion systems
- To support responsive launch capabilities for our customers
- To create complete off-the shelf and customizable propulsion solutions
- To stay at the forefront of the industry by constantly initiating experimental programs to develop the technology of tomorrow
The Next Step in Green Propulsion
Revolutionary “green” non-toxic, non-cryogenic propellant. Up to this point, we have been reliant on expensive, highly toxic hypergolic and cryogenic chemicals. At Aphelion, we have designed our propulsion system to use propellants that are non-toxic and non-cryogenic, safe for the environment, and easy to handle. This dramatically reduces material, labor, and logistics costs as well as providing an industry solution for a cleaner and safer planet.
Our Team
Aphelion Aerospace was founded in early 2019 by a group of experienced aerospace engineers.
Miguel Ayala
Miguel has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, leadership, and management of multidisciplinary engineering teams developing aircraft, launch vehicles, spacecraft, and associated ground support equipment in high-profile government and commercial space programs. Miguel is passionate about contributing to groundbreaking innovations in space exploration and aerospace transportation.
With the intent of becoming an effective well-rounded leader, he has devoted his entire career to gaining a broad background in engineering and leadership, encompassing: small startups and large corporations; design, analysis, test, and manufacturing; propulsion, structures, mechanisms, and thermofluid systems; technical leadership; project and people management. Previous programs include ULA Vulcan rocket at Belcan, Orion spacecraft and A2100 satellites at Lockheed Martin, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets at SpaceX, aircraft GNC at L3Harris, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35 aircraft engines and ISS habitat module at Honeywell, and NASA Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster processing at Northrop Grumman.
Miguel holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA. He also holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University.
Matthew Travis
Matthew Travis studied at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, IL for Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering and Computer Science. At this time, he was also employed at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. While there, he developed applications in C++ and Java. Create shared libraries in C/C++ that were callable from Java, in support of the Habanero object-sharing and collaboration project. Performed debugging and Q/A for the NCSA Mosaic web browser development team.
In 2003, he founded the Aerospace Research & Engineering Systems Institute near Kennedy Space Center, FL, to promote space exploration and STEM education with hands-on projects. Projects include the development of an experimental cubesat and research into new chemical propulsion technologies for space launch vehicles. He was deeply involved with the development of the organization’s projects. The projects included web-based mission simulation and real-time control, hardware-in-the-loop testing and educational media websites.
From 2003 to 2017, along with managing the non-profit organization, Mr. Travis worked on multiple space missions in various capacities with NASA, USAF and the commercial launch industry. His roles varied from engineering to media relations.
Mr. Travis co-founded Aphelion Orbitals in early 2017 and assumed the Chief Operating Officer role. He led a team of 10 employees developing a dedicated nanosatellite launch service and cubesat ecosystem. In close collaboration with the other founders, he helped secure Seed funding from Angel investors that enabled the company to grow rapidly. Aphelion Orbitals established a research & development facility in New Jersey, brought a line of cubesat systems to market, participated in the DARPA Launch Challenge and successfully demonstrated a flight-scale propulsion system.”
Mr. Travis founded and transitioned to Phoenix Launch Systems in 2019 to continue development of the launch system and build out the company’s business relationships, supply chain and international network of partners. During this time, he negotiated MOU’s with potential customers, executed an agreement for future launches from the Kodiak, Alaska spaceport and agreements with other potential spaceports, test locations and manufacturing partners. Also during this period, Mr. Travis led the company’s participation in the 2019 NewSpace Business Plan Competition and, significantly, participation in the 2020 U.S. Air Force AFWERX EngageSpace program. At the same time, he led the effort to ensure the company would survive the COVID-19 global pandemic. As a result, Phoenix Launch System was well-positioned for rapid growth at the end of 2020.
In early 2021, the company reorganized and rebranded as Aphelion Aerospace, where Mr. Travis is currently Chief Operating Officer. He is working with the leadership team to establish new headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado, build out R&D infrastructure, continue propulsion system and launch vehicle development. He is also actively involved with fundraising planning and execution and growth initiatives.
