FormerSpaceX

Hop Aero

Autonomous rockets that deliver cargo anywhere in minutes.

Founded
2025
Headquarters
Los Angeles, CA
Disclosed funding
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Status
Operating
Sector
Defense
Latest round
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Reported valuation
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Website
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Overview

Hop Aero is building Rook, a container-launched rocket that carries about 250 kg of cargo up to 750 km and lands it at hypersonic reentry speeds. CTO Jacob Balaj built SpaceX's original Falcon booster refurbishment program (Y Combinator S26).

Funding

Holds a $1.25M US Air Force contract.

Founders

Matija Milenovic, Co-founder & CEO
Not a SpaceX alum
Jacob Balaj, Co-founder & CTO
At SpaceX: Falcon 9/Heavy booster refurbishment
rocket cargohypersonicslogistics

Sources

  1. Y Combinator: Hop Aero
  2. Payload: Hop Aero wants to deliver cargo via rocket

Last verified September 30, 2026.