In the realm of space-age tech and super-advanced robotics, Honeybee Robotics is usually one of the first names to be mentioned.
Honeybee also made parts for Mars rovers, satellites and lunar landers, and it has a history of aerospace innovation with components for planetary exploration, robotic systems and space mechanisms.
But as with any big player in space and robotics, it’s not going it alone. So, who drives Honeybee Robotics’ most intense rivals? Here we unpack the landscape of the competition and see who else is doing innovative work in this dynamic space.
A Quick History of Honeybee Robotics
Established in 1983 and acquired by Blue Origin in 2022, Honeybee Robotics is known for developing spacecraft robotics, drilling systems, and tools for collecting samples while also developing mechanical systems to withstand the harshest conditions on Earth, Mars and beyond.
Their customers include NASA, the Department of Defense and private space companies. With projects on Mars (they delivered the robotic drills for the Perseverance rover) and on the Moon, Honeybee Robotics has a long pedigree of making rugged, high-performance systems that function in zero gravity, high radiation or environments too extreme for humans.
Top Competitors of Honeybee Robotics
Below are honeybee robotics alternatives:
1. Maxar Technologies
One of the most powerful players in space infrastructure and Earth intelligence, Maxar has a significant presence in South Bay with about 1,900 employees across five facilities.
The company provides satellite systems, space robotics and on-orbit servicing. Maxar’s Robotics and Space Infrastructure division is a direct competitor to Honeybee, especially in robotic arms and autonomous systems to support in-orbit servicing and assembly of space structures and components.
2. Astrobotic Technology
Astrobotic has a focus on lunar delivery and robotics, and is best known for its Peregrine lunar lander. They are closely partnered with NASA through the CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative.
Astrobotic is a fast-rising competitor in the lunar robotics space, as demand ramps up for systems that can put equipment on the moon.
3. Made In Space / Redwire Space
Made In Space, which is now part of Redwire Space, specializes in in-space manufacturing and robotic assembly. Where Honeybee’s expertise leans more heavily on exploration and drilling, Made In Space has built a lead in the area of orbital fabrication and robotics for manufacturing structures in microgravity, which makes it a complementary — still competitive — company.
4. Motiv Space Systems
Motiv designs and builds space-qualified robotic systems, including robotic arms for Mars rovers and other exploration vehicles. The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover features hardware designed and built by Motiv, a competitor to Honeybee in competing for NASA and space mission contracts.
5. Blue Canyon Technologies (a Raytheon Company)
A company that excels at small spacecraft systems and precision attitude control, Blue Canyon also builds robotic payloads and systems, such as those that coincide with Honeybee design work in areas like autonomous mechanisms and exploration tools.
Because they’re a unit of the defense behemoth Raytheon, they have strong government contracts and deep pockets for competing.
Bottom Line
Honeybee Robotics is a standout in the crowded field of space robotics, but still operates in a rapidly moving and crowded ecosystem. Its leading rivals — Maxar, Astrobotic, Motiv, Made In Space/Redwire, and Blue Canyon Technologies — are all advancing the state-of-the-art in space, robotics and automation.
These players all come with some strengths for agencies, and companies, looking to do their own missions to the Moon, Mars or into orbit. Competition is intense, but it is also forcing the government to make arguably historic strides.
As space exploration grows, more of that mix of competition and cooperation will be inevitable — and Honeybee Robotics will surely continue to be a key company to follow.