The 7 top space and defense tech startups from Disrupt Startup Battlefield 

The article highlights seven standout space and defense technology startups selected from TechCrunch’s annual Startup Battlefield pitch contest, which narrows thousands of applicants to 200 contenders and ultimately 20 finalists. These startups showcase innovative advancements in aerospace, AI, and defense systems. Airbility is developing two-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft using a unique fixed-wing VTOL design with distributed electric fan-jet propulsion, enhancing maneuverability and versatility. Astrum Drive Aerospace has created a patented, propellantless, electricity-only space propulsion system that eliminates the need for onboard fuel, potentially extending spacecraft lifespans and reducing costs for deep space missions. Other notable startups include Charter Space, which offers fintech-like insurance solutions aimed at enabling new credit models for the space industry; Endox, which combines proprietary data capture with robotics to inspect and maintain U.S. military equipment; and Hance, which builds AI neural networks to enhance real-time audio processing in challenging environments such as military operations. Skyl