Wichita, Kan. – The future of the defense industrial base is getting a boost of innovation with Ad Astra Sky Supply, a dynamic new woman-owned, veteran-led startup based in Prairie Village, Kansas, that officially launched onto the global stage at the prestigious International Paris Airshow. U.S. military readiness begins on the factory floor and Astra Sky’s mission is to deliver domestic manufacturing dominance and “supremacy through sustainment” for the warfighter.
Ad Astra Sky Supply is ready to tackle the challenges of keeping America's defense platforms in top-notch shape. Focused on providing cost-efficient, seamless production of certified parts for ground, air and space assets – from prototypes to full-scale runs – they’re bringing fresh energy and novel solutions to the aerospace and defense sectors.
Astra Sky is hitting the ground running with major partnerships; forging a powerful alliance with Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). Together, they're set to build a robust, domestic supply chain that brings digital engineering, advanced manufacturing, and critical testing and certification capabilities to the Department of Defense. Astra Sky is already working with the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, which will soon also establish a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to partner and collaborate on research and development.
“To stay ahead of our adversaries, the Department of Defense needs reliable and ready capabilities to support those who protect and preserve our freedom,” said Caroline Canfield, Founder and CEO of Ad Astra Sky Supply. “We are building a resilient, domestic supply chain to advance legacy assets into the digital age and improve the readiness of platforms to enable a ready force. Partnering with NIAR and is a gamechanger - together, we will provide vital sustainment solutions for our warfighters.”
Senator Moran said, “Ad Astra Sky Supply will help facilitate relationships between industry and the Department of Defense, bolstering the role of Kansas-based and non-traditional defense manufacturing to improve the readiness of our U.S. Military. Ad Astra Sky Supply will be a great addition to our state, and I look forward to working with them to make certain Kansas remains a global leader in defense and aerospace manufacturing.”
“Parts availability and production for military readiness is a critical area for the DoD,” said John Tomblin, WSU executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “Astra Sky fills a gap that ensures rapid part sourcing and production in order to increase the efficiency of the aerospace and defense industries.”
“This partnership between Ad Astra Sky Supply and NIAR exemplifies the innovation and collaboration that define the Air Capital of the World," said Jeff Fluhr, President of the Greater Wichita Partnership. "By strengthening domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and creating high-tech, high-wage opportunities, it reinforces Wichita's global leadership in aerospace and defense."
Ad Astra Sky Supply is not just launching a business; they're igniting a movement to strengthen America's manufacturing base and reduce the cost of sustainment at the Department of Defense, ensuring the warfighter gets the rapid, sustainable, and affordable solutions they need. By connecting world-class labs, agile suppliers, and certification processes, they're creating a cohesive ecosystem that delivers at the speed of mission.
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About Ad Astra Sky Supply
Astra Sky offers an integrated network of capabilities and sustainment solutions to repair or replace parts on ground, air and space assets by interconnecting a domestic supply chain of engineering, manufacturing and proven testing and certification capabilities that are rooted in general aviation and defense industrial base experience.
