RTX unit Blue Canyon Technologies to quadruple reaction wheel output

Blue Canyon Technologies, a subsidiary of RTX (NYSE: RTX), plans to increase its reaction wheel production capacity from 650 units annually to 2,400 units, representing nearly a 400% increase. The company allocated more than $1 million for the expansion to address growing demand in the space industry supply chain.

Reaction wheels control spacecraft movements in orbit without propulsion systems. Small satellites typically require three to four reaction wheels to maintain position. Blue Canyon Technologies produces 13 reaction wheel products designed for spacecraft ranging from small CubeSats to vehicles weighing 400 kilograms or more.

The expansion involves dedicating most of one facility to reaction wheel production. Production improvements include layout optimization, enhanced subassembly processes, and new equipment including an additional precision mill and precision balancing equipment. The company also secured long-term supplier agreements to ensure material availability.

"Demand across the space industry continues to grow at an unprecedented pace," said Chris Winslett, general manager of Blue Canyon Technologies. "We've made targeted investments in our facilities, equipment and supplier partnerships to ensure we can meet that demand without compromising performance or reliability for our customers."

Blue Canyon Technologies has manufactured reaction wheels since 2014, producing 3,500 flight units. The company currently supports more than 160 spacecraft orders and operates as RTX's small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider.

RTX reported 2025 sales of more than $88 billion and employs over 180,000 people globally. The company is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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