Mojave rocket builder one of fastest-growing businesses

Valley Press on ^ | Friday, August 24, 2007. | ALLISON GATLIN

[BenLurkin]

Rocket builder XCOR Aerospace has made Inc. magazine's list of the top 500 fastest-growing private businesses. The Mojave-based company came in at No. 446 on the list, which ranks companies based on the percentage increase of revenue over a three-year period. XCOR, founded in 1999, has seen its revenue grow 646% from 2003 to 2006.

"The men and women of XCOR Aerospace are proud that their efforts have earned the company a spot on the prestigious Inc. 500 list," said Jeff Greason, founder and company president. "It shows we are moving in the direction we have been aiming for all along - up."

According to the company's profile in the Inc. listing, XCOR's growth may be attributed to its speed in getting products to its customers.

"The company strives to design, build, and test rockets on a much shorter schedule than the rest of the industry, where the norm is to conduct only a few rocket tests a year and then analyze the results at length," the profile said. "Among its process innovations, XCOR uses a mobile test launch pad and eschews toxic propellants, which require delicate handling."

The company was founded at the Mojave Air and Space Port in 1999, with four partners eager to build rocket engines and vehicles to venture into space themselves. XCOR now employs about 34 people, many of whom were hired in the last couple of years to handle the increasing workload. The hiring continues, as the company is seeking junior and senior level aerodynamicists.

In addition to assorted rocket engine projects - including a $3.3 million contract to develop an engine for NASA's manned space exploration goals - XCOR is a major player in a new venture to bring rocket science into the entertainment field.

[BenLurkin]

XCOR ping

[SunkenCiv]

eschews toxic propellants

Gesundheit.