Olsen Actuators and Drives expands space business into US

Olsen Actuators and Drives has confirmed that it will open a branch office in Cape Canaveral, Florida in 2026. Located at the heart of the US space industry, the new office will provide a sales base for the component firm to expand its operations and to tap into the flourishing US space market supplying custom designs of precision ground roller screws and electromechanical actuators (EMAs).

Olsen is going through a period of growth, and the company also anticipates expansion of the new sales office to offer assembly and manufacturing services, enabling it to be highly responsive to customer requirements in country, on a local and national basis. The move is the result of a UK Government space trade mission to the region that took place in the February 2025.

The global space sector is rapidly evolving, and the US remains the top of list in terms of market share. According to Precedence Research, the North American space technology market surpassed US$262.14 billion in 2024 and is expanding at a CAGR of 7.48% to 2034. With record numbers of satellite launches anticipated in the coming years, launch requirements and rapid developments in space debris removal as well as other emerging applications, demand for the company’s components is expected to rise significantly.

Piers Olsen, Chairman, Olsen Actuators & Drives, said: “The advent of NewSpace has increased the call for motion control and electromechanical actuators and other devices. These include precision roller screws, which are like ball screws but stronger and lighter. They allow movement for space projects, whether that is deploying solar arrays (SADA), thrust vector control (TVC) to steer launchers, promoting movement on lunar vehicles or gimbals for imaging equipment, landing mechanisms, flight controls and finn actuation. We see a requirement for local presence in the US, and a sales office on the Cape will enable us to build on the relationships we have made and forge new ones. The upcoming manufacturing facility will also enable rapid delivery of our solutions, helping us to better serve the vibrant and dynamic U.S. space market.”

Olsen Actuators & Drives was established in 2004 and specialises in low risk, fast delivery space-certified commercial off the shelf TR9 proven components and systems solutions to meet every application. The company also serves a diverse range of industries with its wide range of COTs and customised electromechanical solutions.