CerraCap backs Space Kinetic to accelerate space superiority and missile defense

CerraCap backs Space Kinetic to accelerate space superiority and missile defense
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 22, 2025

CerraCap Ventures has invested in Space Kinetic Corp., a cleared national security innovator based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The move aligns with CerraCap's push to speed space defense technologies and bolster the United States strategic edge as space becomes increasingly contested.

Founded in 2022 by Scott Ziegler (M.Eng, UC Berkeley; Principal Inventor, NM LEEP Fellow) and Ryan Sullivan (MBA, UC Berkeley; Returned US Peace Corps), Space Kinetic grew from a garage prototype with support from the New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and is now a venture-backed deep tech company.

The company's central innovation is a patented propellant-free electromechanical system that deploys smaller payloads at high velocities from a host satellite without using thrusters. These payloads can be tailored to space superiority and missile defense priorities, aiming to translate the cost and operational advantages of proliferated drones to orbital missions.

Abhi Mukherjee, Operating Partner at CerraCap Ventures, shared "Through our partnership with the leadership at LANL and NM LEEP, I had the privilege of working closely with Scott and Ryan as their SLC Advisor during their Cohort 2 Fellowship. Space Kinetic emerged as a compelling investment in the multi-billion-dollar space superiority and missile defense mission markets - an arena shaped by rising geopolitical tensions and the urgent need for scalable defense architectures. At CerraCap, we pride ourselves on a disciplined investment approach, and Space Kinetic marks our fifth portfolio company with roots in the Land of Enchantment. In a sector where innovation is the first and last line of defense, Space Kinetic stands out for its technical depth and market potential. We're excited to join the Space Kinetic team on their journey towards becoming a unicorn while building scalable systems that support our nation's most urgent security priorities."

Ryan Sullivan, CEO of Space Kinetic, commented "As a nation, we have a clear imperative to build a new kind of space architecture that enables true space superiority and robust missile defense. Space Kinetic is committed to supporting this architecture. We have partnered with Abhi and the CerraCap team since our first day in the NM LEEP Program, and they have shown a deep commitment both to the national security tech ecosystem and to building on New Mexico's legacy of innovation. As we work to deliver an asymmetric solution for U.S. space superiority and missile defense, we're thrilled to deepen our relationship with CerraCap."

"This investment underscores the strength of NM LEEP and the value of our deep tech venture partner network", added Duncan McBranch, Senior Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory Partnerships and Pipeline Office. "Space Kinetic is proving how collaboration with Los Alamos experts can accelerate the path to market for commercial space companies tied to national security. CerraCap has been a vital partner as Space Kinetic has refined its technology".

The deal lands amid rapidly rising demand for scalable and cost-effective space security solutions, spurred by intensifying geopolitical pressures and the growth of adversary satellites. CerraCap's partnership positions both organizations to scale dual-use, mission-critical technologies at the forefront of space superiority and missile defense innovation.