Business Details
19 Years
experience
Expert Space Architecture and Engineering Solutions
Founded in 2007, Exploration Architecture specializes in space architecture and engineering consulting, delivering innovative solutions for spaceports, space stations, and planetary surface systems. Our expertise spans civil space, defense, and commercial space exploration sectors, with a focus on advancing human habitation on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. With decades of combined experience, our team has contributed to NASA, DoD, and international space programs, pioneering technologies for extreme environments. We excel in front-end concept development, visioning high-profile infrastructure projects, and integrating multidisciplinary systems for space exploration. Our work includes lunar regolith compaction, in-situ construction techniques, and expandable floor systems for inflatable habitats.As a leader in Space-STEM education, we also foster future talent through the WEX Foundation. Our clients benefit from tailored decision support assessments, architectural systems design, and strategic planning for space-related facilities. We collaborate with global partners like Astroport Space Technologies to push the boundaries of lunar infrastructure development. Our commitment to innovation is evidenced by NASA SBIR/STTR awards and partnerships with organizations like Orbit Fab. Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, we operate as an interplanetary architecture firm with a vision to enable 21st-century space settlement.
Services
Space Architecture
Engineering Consulting
Spaceport Development
Lunar Outpost Design
Mars Habitation Systems
Technology Development
Decision Support Assessments
Orbital Architecture
Planet Surface Architecture
Earth-based Space Facilities
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in space systems and human space exploration.
- Our team includes certified space architects and engineers with NASA program expertise.
- We develop advanced technology programs for lunar and Mars habitation systems.
- Our clients include NASA, DoD, and leading commercial space programs.
- We pioneered regolith compaction and in-situ construction techniques for lunar bases.
Services
Space Architecture
We specialize in designing habitable environments for space stations, lunar bases, and Mars outposts. Our solutions integrate life support systems, radiation shielding, and modular habitats tailored to extreme extraterrestrial conditions. Clients benefit from our expertise in both orbital and planetary surface architecture for civil and commercial space missions.
Lunar Outpost Design
Our lunar outpost services include site planning, architectural systems integration, and structural analysis for sustainable Moon habitats. We develop dust mitigation strategies, landing pad designs, and regolith-based construction techniques. Clients gain access to proven methodologies tested through NASA collaborations and SBIR-funded research programs.
Spaceport Development
We provide architectural and engineering consulting for terrestrial spaceport infrastructure, including terminal design, hangar facilities, and launch complex planning. Our work supports commercial operators like Virgin Galactic while meeting regulatory requirements. Clients receive optimized layouts for spacecraft integration and ground operations efficiency.
Technology Development Programs
Our R&D initiatives focus on in-situ resource utilization, autonomous construction robotics, and expandable habitat systems. We create prototypes like the Lunatron geotechnical system and regolith compaction tools. Clients leverage our NASA SBIR award-winning innovations for lunar infrastructure and Mars mission readiness.
Decision Support Assessments
We conduct feasibility studies, risk analyses, and architectural evaluations for space infrastructure projects. Services include outpost buildup sequencing, materials selection, and environmental impact assessments. Clients receive data-driven recommendations to optimize mission success and resource allocation for lunar and Mars deployments.
People
Sam Ximenes
Founder and CEO
Space architect with 20+ years of NASA and defense program experience. Developed space station architectures at Lockheed Martin and founded Exploration Architecture in 2007 to advance commercial space infrastructure. Leads lunar technology development initiatives.
Ron Wells
Chief Technology Officer
Oversees technical development of lunar construction systems and robotics. Brings expertise in geotechnical engineering and autonomous systems integration for space applications. Manages Astroport's Lunatron technology program.
Emilio De La Guardia
General Manager, Astroport Europe
Manages European operations and lunar infrastructure partnerships. Specializes in space materials science and regolith processing technologies. Coordinates international collaborations for lunar base construction projects.
James Johnson
Advanced Engineering Projects
Leads advanced engineering initiatives for space habitats and surface systems. Expertise in structural analysis, ECLSS integration, and modular architecture for Mars missions. Develops deployment sequencing simulations for outpost construction.
Donna Potter
Space Technology Development Executive
Focuses on commercialization strategies for space construction technologies. Advises on technology transfer between terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications. Facilitates partnerships with aerospace manufacturers and research institutions.
Questions
What is XArc's primary area of expertise?
We specialize in space architecture and engineering for extraterrestrial habitats, including lunar outposts, Mars bases, and orbital stations. Our services cover design, technology development, and infrastructure planning.
How does XArc contribute to lunar exploration?
We develop regolith-based construction techniques, landing pad designs, and dust mitigation systems. Our Lunatron technology and NASA SBIR-funded projects advance sustainable lunar infrastructure.
What clients does XArc serve?
We work with NASA, DoD, commercial space companies, and international space agencies on projects ranging from spaceport design to Mars habitation systems development.
How is XArc involved in space education?
Through the WEX Foundation, we run NASA-funded Space-STEM programs that prepare youth for careers in space exploration and related technical fields.
What technologies does XArc develop?
We create in-situ construction systems, expandable habitat structures, regolith processing tools, and autonomous robotics for lunar and Mars surface operations.
Where is XArc headquartered?
Our main office is in San Antonio, Texas, with international operations in Luxembourg and Australia through our Astroport subsidiary.
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