Ex-NASA Chief Bridenstine Heads Quantum Space’s Ranger for Military Space Mobility

Jim Bridenstine, NASA’s former administrator, has been named CEO of Quantum Space, which is building Ranger—a compact, high-energy spacecraft designed for rapid, in-space maneuvering and refueling, capable of being refueled and refueling others to operate from low Earth orbit to cislunar space and carrying 4,000 kg of hydrazine. Quantum Space has acquired Phase Four and participates in DARPA’s LASSO, AFRL’s Oracle-P, and the Andromeda surveillance program, with Ranger’s first flight planned for July 2027. Bridenstine says national security space is a priority and aims to scale commercial space for the Space Force, while Quantum Space, with about 75 employees and $80 million in Series A funding, seeks additional capital.