The problem is simple to state and notoriously difficult to solve: what happens when a spacecraft loses its GPS signal? Rhea Space Activity (RSA) is building its business on the answer, packaging a suite of astrophysics-based technologies into hardware and software designed to keep vehicles oriented when terrestrial navigation fails.
Founded in 2018 by astrophysicist and former intelligence official Dr. Shawn M. Usman, the Washington, D.C.-based startup operates at the intersection of deep science and national security. Its core product is the Jervis Autonomy Module (JAM), a plug-and-play subcomponent that provides onboard, GPS-independent navigation [Rhea Space Activity]. The company's $6 million Series A round, led by SpaceFund, Boston Global, and Iron Prairie Ventures, is aimed at deploying this technology to U.S. and allied military customers [Rhea Space Activity, April 2026]. In 2026, two JAM units are scheduled to launch on a Draper-led lunar lander mission, funded by a $750,000 NASA TechFlights grant [SpaceNews, 2026].
A portfolio built on government R&D
RSA's path to market relies on non-dilutive government research funding to de-risk technology before commercial or defense sales. The company has systematically pursued contracts through U.S. Department of Defense channels like AFWERX and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
- Autonomous navigation. Beyond the NASA grant for JAM, the company was awarded a definitive contract worth up to $1.8 million by the Air Force Research Laboratory in April 2025 [HigherGov, 2026].
- Quantum communications. RSA developed QLOAK, a prototype system designed to bolt onto existing laser communication terminals to enable quantum-secure links, demonstrated in Norway in 2024 [Defense One, 2024].
- Space domain awareness. Under the banner ROMULUS & REMUS, RSA is proposing an AI-controlled surveillance system in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation [SBIR.gov].
The technical wedge: celestial navigation, rebooted
JAM's value proposition hinges on moving navigation from a ground-based, signal-dependent process to an onboard, autonomous one. JAM uses optical software to recognize stars and other celestial landmarks, calculating position and orientation independently. RSA's innovation is in packaging the capability into a standardized, low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) module that can be integrated into a wider variety of spacecraft.
The founder's asymmetric advantage
Dr. Shawn Usman's background is central to RSA's focus. As a former intelligence official with over a decade in federal service, he brings a dual fluency in advanced astrophysics and the specific procurement language of the national security community.
| Role | Name | Background Note |
|---|---|---|
| Founder & CEO | Dr. Shawn M. Usman | Astrophysicist, former intelligence official, Senior Advisor to SpaceFund. |
| Chief Operating Officer | Cameo Lance | Director of Physics programs, interfaces with government customers. |
| Chief Financial Officer | Samuel Lee | Financial operations. |
Navigating a high-stakes, slow-moving market
The primary risk for RSA is commercial scale. The company's model is predicated on the U.S. government's continued willingness to fund R&D and subsequently purchase operational systems. While early SBIR and AFWERX contracts are excellent for proof-of-concept, transitioning to larger production contracts is a different motion. The competitive landscape includes entrenched aerospace and defense primes like Sierra Nevada Corporation, which have existing relationships and the ability to bundle navigation solutions with entire spacecraft platforms.
The next phase: from experiment to deployment
The next twelve months are pivotal. The lunar lander mission in 2026 is the single most important milestone on the company's public roadmap. A successful demonstration of JAM would provide irreplaceable flight heritage. The $6 million Series A provides runway to staff up and mature its other technologies, like the QLOAK quantum communicator, toward similar demonstration points.