96 Telespazio is also involved in programs for the exploration of the universe including Rosetta and Gaia. Telespazio Vega UK Ltd – A consulting, technology, and engineering services business headquartered in Luton, UK. The comppany provides ground segment systems for satellite missions and in addition to consulting and engineering support. Telespazio Vega UK develops downstream applications including geo-information (via value adding), user-friendly, platforms, and cost-effective fixed and mobile satellite communications. In January 2011, VEGA Space Ltd, became a part of Telespazio, the Rome-based space systems services company. Tesat Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG – Acquired by EADS Astrium GmbH (a subsidiary of Airbus Group SE) in December 2001 and continues as independently functioning organization. Specializes in center of competence for payloads of communication satellites. Product offerings encompass traveling wave tube amplifiers, multiplexers, waveguide switches, and modulators which, along with complete systems, are delivered globally to all leading satellite manufacturers. Terma A/S – Operates in the aerospace, defense, and security sectors. Specializes in complex and critical aero-structures for commercial and military aircraft, aircraft survivability equipment, advanced ground-based defense applications, radar systems, critical infrastructure protection for Homeland Secu- rity, and Terma Star Tracker for precise control of satellites. A majority of its stock was acquired by the Thomas B. Thrige Foundation in the 1980’s. TNO – A Dutch public organization that introduced the first solar path. Projects include: flexible & free-form products, space & scientific instrumentation, sustainable chemical industry, semiconductor equipment, networked information, predictive health technologies, food & nutrition prevention, work & health, mobility & logistics, environment & sustainability, buildings & infrastructures, smart cities, and energy. View an annual report. Ventions, LLC – A research, development, and services company founded to commercialize innovative technologies in the aerospace sector. Currently focused on the development of small-scale propulsion systems, pumps, and launch vehicle components for government and commercial applications under various DARPA and NASA funded projects. Location: San Francisco California. Established in 2004. Virgin Galactic LLC – Virgin Galactic is working to develop the suborbital tourism industry. The company is currently accepting booking for suborbital flights. Tickets cost $250,000; over 400 individ- uals have given deposits for future flights. VG plans to launch suborbital science missions and small sat- ellites. Founder: Richard Branson (founder, Virgin Group). Location: Spaceport America, New Mexico. Vitrociset SpA – Offers services in Command & Control, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Instrumented Test Range, Modeling & Simulation, Infologistics & Support Equipment, secure Com- munications & Cybersecurity, Border Control, Critical Infrastructures Protection, Transports Protec- tion, Territory Protection, Ground Facilities & Support Equipment, Exploitation Services, Ground Data Systems, Added Value Applications & Services, Large Experimental Facilities, Air Traffic Man- agement, Airport Solutions, Meteorological Systems, Intelligent Transport Systems, Maritime & Port Solutions, Smart Mobility & Last Mile, Smart Environment, Smart Building & Energy, Smart Security, and Smart Government & Life. Based in Italy. XCOR Aerospace – Focuses on the research, development, project management, and production of safe, reliable, reusable launch vehicles (RLVs), rocket engines and rocket propulsion systems. Location: Mojave, California. Founders: Jeff Greason, Dan DeLong, Doug Jones, and Aleta Jackson. Established in 1999. XINWEI TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD – Xinwei is set to be acquired by its CEO, Wang Jing, a Chinese billionaire who has major interests in HKND Group (which manages the Nicaraguan Canal). 96