WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) has opened its doors - metaphorically, since space has no doors - to two new Associate Members: Outlier and Rendezvous Robotics. These newcomers bring expertise in reusable satellite platforms and spacecraft that assemble themselves in orbit, which sounds like a great way to avoid awkward IKEA moments in zero gravity.

Outlier is on a mission to make microgravity accessible, reliable, and scalable for the next generation of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and advanced materials innovation. They're using a breakthrough reusable satellite platform to provide dependable access to microgravity - with safe return to Earth. Because what's the point of going to space if you can't come back and brag about it?

Their executive team boasts more than 40 years of combined aerospace experience, and each technical division leader has a track record of delivering mission-critical systems. They pair this deep technical expertise with four core customer values: reliability, transparency, simplicity, and collaboration. In other words, they're the anti-bureaucracy of space.

From payload integration to safe return from orbit, Outlier provides end-to-end support to help customers unlock microgravity and advance research, manufacturing, and technological development. Nick Pearson, Head of Operations at Outlier, said, "Joining the Commercial Space Federation community puts us alongside organizations shaping the future of commercial space. It helps ensure we're engaged in the conversations that matter as we work to accelerate the space economy with a scalable, reusable, uncrewed satellite platform." Because nothing says 'acceleration' like joining a federation.

Rendezvous Robotics is building spacecraft that assemble in orbit, allowing missions to scale beyond the limits of a single rocket. Their modular architecture can build more capable spacecraft that can be expanded and reconfigured as mission needs change. It's like LEGOs, but for space, and with higher stakes.

Building on magnetic self-assembly technology demonstrated aboard the International Space Station, their mission is to usher in a new era of adaptable spacecraft assembled in orbit. Joe Landon, co-founder and president of Rendezvous Robotics, noted, "In-space assembly enables new missions and capabilities that are constrained today by how spacecraft must be built to fit inside a rocket. Joining the Commercial Space Federation gives us the opportunity to work alongside the companies shaping this next era and help advance the policies, partnerships and operating environment needed to make modular, adaptable spacecraft a reality." Because who needs to fit in a rocket when you can just build yourself up there?

About CSF: Founded in 2006, the Commercial Space Federation (CSF) and its members are laying the foundation for democratizing access to outer space for scientists, students, civilians, and businesses - all while working towards expanding the U.S. Commercial Space Economy. Through the promotion of technological innovation, CSF and its diverse membership are guiding the bolstering of U.S. leadership in aerospace and inspiring America's next generation of engineers and explorers. CSF also serves as the commercial space industry's primary advocate with the U.S. Congress and the Administration, helping inform the development and implementation of policy priorities. By engaging with congressional players, CSF provides recommendations on commercial space issues that will impact the industry in the short and long term. Because if you're going to democratize space, you might as well have a lobby.