General Atomics

Olsen Actuators and Drives expands space business into US

Olsen Actuators and Drives has confirmed that it will open a branch office in Cape Canaveral, Florida in 2026.


Image courtesy Olsen Actuators 

Located at the heart of the US space industry, the new office will provide a sales base for the component firm to expand its operations and to tap into the flourishing US space market supplying custom designs of precision ground roller screws and electromechanical actuators (EMAs). 

Olsen is going through a period of growth, and the company also anticipates expansion of the new sales office to offer assembly and manufacturing services, enabling it to be highly responsive to customer requirements in country, on a local and national basis. The move is the result of a UK Government space trade mission to the region that took place in the February 2025. 
 
The global space sector is rapidly evolving, and the US remains the top of list in terms of market share. According to Precedence Research, the North American space technology market surpassed US$262.14 billion in 2024 and is expanding at a CAGR of 7.48% to 2034. With record numbers of satellite launches anticipated in the coming years, launch requirements and rapid developments in space debris removal as well as other emerging applications, demand for the company’s components is expected to rise significantly. 
 
Piers Olsen, Chairman, Olsen Actuators & Drives, said: “The advent of NewSpace has increased the call for motion control and electromechanical actuators and other devices. These include precision roller screws, which are like ball screws but stronger and lighter. They allow movement for space projects, whether that is deploying solar arrays (SADA), thrust vector control (TVC) to steer launchers, promoting movement on lunar vehicles or gimbals for imaging equipment, landing mechanisms, flight controls and finn actuation. We see a requirement for local presence in the US, and a sales office on the Cape will enable us to build on the relationships we have made and forge new ones. The upcoming manufacturing facility will also enable rapid delivery of our solutions, helping us to better serve the vibrant and dynamic U.S. space market.” 
 
Olsen Actuators & Drives was established in 2004 and specialises in low risk, fast delivery space-certified commercial off the shelf TR9 proven components and systems solutions to meet every application. The company also serves a diverse range of industries with its wide range of COTs and customised electromechanical solutions. 
 
The Olsen team will be attending the Space Symposium set to take place in Colorado Springs from 7-10 April 2025. To schedule a meeting, visit: https://www.olsenactuators.com/contact-us/ 

Related

Airbus A350F takes flight for first time in major freighter milestone
A350F takes off on first flight
Airbus A350F takes flight for first time in major freighter milestone
Airbus’ new A350F has taken to the skies for the first time, beginning a 400-hour flight-test campaign for its next-generation large freighter.
Aerospace

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
Windracers ULTRA safely transports anti-doping blood sample in Alaska
Windracers ULTRA
Windracers ULTRA safely transports anti-doping blood sample in Alaska
Conducting its first BVLOS Windracers ULTRA flight in North America, flying an anti-doping blood test sample for several hours over 1,000km in Alaska, Windracers has shown autonomous flights are a reliable option for safely transporting time sensitive cargo in difficult conditions.
UK records largest share of European defence manufacturing investment since 2024
Former Defence Secretary John Healey MP is given a tour of the UK's Storm Shadow production line at MBDA's facility in Stevenage on 31 May 2025. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
UK records largest share of European defence manufacturing investment since 2024
From munitions plants to drone production lines, the UK has attracted more defence manufacturing projects than any other European nation since 2024, according to new research.
Defence

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
Shield AI and Kraken demonstrate autonomous USV teaming in Portsmouth
Shield AI and Kraken Technology Group demonstrate Hivemind
Shield AI and Kraken demonstrate autonomous USV teaming in Portsmouth
Shield AI is trialling its Hivemind mission software, using teaming and swarming technology originally developed for autonomous aircraft in maritime roles.
Defence

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
KBR's headquarters in Houston
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
The planned January 2027 separation will create a publicly traded company focused on national security and space.
Member News Security Space

28 Sep 2026

NSSLGlobal Group acquires MetOcean Telematics (UK) Ltd
NSSLGlobal
NSSLGlobal Group acquires MetOcean Telematics (UK) Ltd
Through this acquisition, NSSLGlobal has expanded its communications and security capabilities with asset tracking by satellite, cellular and radio for blue light, border force and security services.
ACUA Ocean and Forssea Robotics integrate ARGOS ROV with USV Pioneer
USV-ROV deployment
ACUA Ocean and Forssea Robotics integrate ARGOS ROV with USV Pioneer
The culmination of three weeks of operations in Plymouth have proved that fully remote subsea inspection and light intervention from an uncrewed surface vessel can be conducted safely in weather that conventional crewed vessels struggle to operate.
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
KBR's headquarters in Houston
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
The planned January 2027 separation will create a publicly traded company focused on national security and space.
Member News Security Space

28 Sep 2026

First Turkish Typhoon pilots begin training at RAF Coningsby
Turkish Air Force Pilots Begin Typhoon Training in the UK
First Turkish Typhoon pilots begin training at RAF Coningsby
Two Turkish combat pilots have joined RAF Coningsby for Typhoon conversion and instructor training ahead of the first deliveries in 2030.
Aerospace Defence Security

28 Sep 2026