KIRBCO

Modular Structures and Rapid Prototyping for Space Systems

We develop site adaptive, resource efficient structural systems for space and extreme environments, bridging space systems engineering, construction, and in situ utilization.CORE CAPABILITIESSystems Engineering & Architecture
_{End to end concept development, trade studies, and integration for space infrastructure systems.}Structural & Habitat Concepts
_{Design of modular, buried, and hybrid structural systems for radiation, thermal, and micrometeoroid protection.}In Situ Utilization Concepts
_{Engineering approaches that leverage native materials for construction, shielding, and stabilization.}Rapid Prototyping & Modeling
_{Early phase modeling, simulation, and prototyping to reduce technical risk.}Dual Use Applications
_{Translation of space developed concepts to terrestrial markets including mining, storage, and disaster response.}

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© Will Kirby. All rights reserved.

Projects

SinterShell is a subtractive approach to lunar habitat construction that excavates shallow cavities into south polar crater walls and transforms them into durable, semi subterranean structures through in situ thermal processing of regolith.Key Innovations
_{Adaptive excavation responsive to local geology
Selective microwave or solar vitrification to form structural lattices
Lightweight internal pressure liners decoupling pressure from structure
Dust repellent vitrified surfaces
Passive carved airlocks and modular tunnel expansion}Why It Matters
_{Reduced launch mass
Lower power requirements
Inherent radiation and micrometeoroid protection
Scalable settlement growth}Status
_{Phase I research and validation
Modeling and regolith analog testing
Target customers include government and commercial lunar programs}

About

KIRBCO was founded by brothers Will and Steven Kirby to bridge space systems engineering with construction-driven infrastructure development. The company is built on the principle that future space and extreme-environment infrastructure should combine the rigor of spacecraft engineering with the practicality of real-world construction.The founders’ backgrounds span military operations, construction and space engineering, shaping KIRBCO’s focus on modular, scalable solutions that reduce mass, risk, and operational complexity. Their experience across government, defense, and aerospace programs drives a systems-first approach grounded in execution.Will Kirby is a U.S. Space Force Combat Crew Commander and Future Operations Director with experience in NASA research and space systems engineering. Steven Kirby works at AstroTech (Lockheed), has NASA project experience, and specializes in turning complex aerospace concepts into practical systems.Together, the Kirby brothers founded KIRBCO to create practical, site-adaptive infrastructure for space and dual-use terrestrial applications, emphasizing engineering discipline, scalability, and mission relevance.