From Air Force Officer to Space Defense CEO: Even Rogers’ Mission to Secure Orbit
In the rapidly evolving arena of space defense, Even Rogers stands out as a pivotal figure. Transitioning from a decade-long tenure as an Air Force weapons officer to the helm of True Anomaly, Rogers is at the forefront of developing autonomous spacecraft and software tailored for military operations in orbit.
A Decade in the Air Force: Recognizing the Void
During his service, Rogers observed a concerning trend: while nations like China and Russia were advancing their space weaponry, the United States lacked comparable capabilities. This disparity became evident as adversaries deployed technologies that could potentially threaten U.S. assets in space. Rogers’ firsthand experiences underscored the urgent need for the U.S. to bolster its space defense mechanisms.
Founding True Anomaly: A Vision for Space Superiority
Motivated by the pressing need to address these challenges, Rogers co-founded True Anomaly in 2022. The company’s mission is clear: to design and build autonomous systems that deter conflict and protect space assets. With a focus on space superiority, True Anomaly is developing hardware and software systems that cater specifically to military engagements in orbit.
The Jackal Spacecraft: A Game-Changer in Orbit
Central to True Anomaly’s initiatives is the Jackal spacecraft. This multi-role autonomous orbital vehicle (AOV) is engineered for operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and is adaptable for missions in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and cislunar space. The Jackal’s design emphasizes rapid production without compromising mission effectiveness, marking a significant advancement in space defense technology.
Mission X: Demonstrating Capabilities
In early 2024, True Anomaly embarked on Mission X, a flight test and demonstration of the Jackal AOVs. The mission involved two Jackal spacecraft capturing multi-spectral imagery of each other while maneuvering in close proximity—a complex operation known as rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). This demonstration aimed to showcase the Jackal’s capabilities in advanced non-Earth imaging, testing, evaluation, and on-demand training.
Strategic Expansion: Establishing a Presence in Long Beach
Recognizing the importance of proximity to key stakeholders, True Anomaly expanded its operations by opening a 90,000-square-foot facility in Long Beach, California. This strategic move places the company closer to the Space Systems Command in Los Angeles, which oversees significant Space Force procurement. The Long Beach facility is dedicated to the design, development, and manufacturing of new products for the military market, including those for classified U.S. Space Force programs.
Securing Substantial Funding: Fueling Growth and Innovation
In April 2025, True Anomaly secured a $260 million Series C funding round led by Accel, with participation from Meritech Capital and existing investors. This funding is earmarked to accelerate the company’s growth, vertical integration, facility expansion, product development, and implementation. With a total of $418 million raised to date, True Anomaly is well-positioned to advance its mission of delivering space capabilities that support deterrence and secure space for future generations.
Collaborations and Future Missions: Strengthening Partnerships
True Anomaly’s commitment to enhancing space security is evident in its collaborations. The company partnered with Agile Space Industries for the Victus Haze mission, supplying the Jackal AOVs. This collaboration underscores the importance of propulsion systems in achieving the agility needed for demanding space environments. Additionally, True Anomaly is set to provide spacecraft for upcoming Space Force missions, further solidifying its role in national defense initiatives.
A Vision for the Future: Addressing Emerging Threats
Rogers emphasizes the evolving nature of space threats and the necessity for innovative solutions. He notes that the current space environment mirrors the early days of aviation, lacking comprehensive traffic control and coordination. True Anomaly aims to address these challenges by developing technologies that ensure the security and sustainability of space operations.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Space Security
Even Rogers’ journey from an Air Force officer to the CEO of True Anomaly reflects a deep commitment to national security and technological innovation. By identifying critical gaps in the U.S. space defense capabilities and taking proactive steps to address them, Rogers and his team are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of space security. As True Anomaly continues to develop and deploy cutting-edge technologies, it stands as a testament to the importance of agility, innovation, and strategic vision in the ever-evolving domain of space defense.
