ClearSpace is a spin-off from EPFL, established in early 2018, focused on developing sustainable in-orbit services, particularly for the removal of space debris. The company specializes in technologies aimed at addressing the challenges posed by non-functional satellites in orbit. ClearSpace has entered into a service contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to undertake the ClearSpace-1 mission, which aims to autonomously remove space debris. Utilizing advanced tracking methods, including sensors, radar technologies, and telescopes, ClearSpace provides effective debris cleanup solutions that promote the long-term sustainability of space operations.
Spire Global
Grant in 2024
Spire Global, Inc., established in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Glasgow and Singapore, specializes in satellite data services. The company offers two primary data services: Spire Sense, which provides ship tracking data for applications such as illegal fishing monitoring, trade analysis, and maritime domain awareness; and Spire Stratus, which delivers global weather data. Additionally, Spire Global provides machine learning and analytics tools to enhance vessel detection and information gathering. Its clients include mining companies, government authorities, port operators, and those involved in arctic shipping routes.
Lodestar is pioneering advanced technologies for in-orbit manufacturing and space infrastructure maintenance. Founded by researchers with expertise in off-earth manufacturing, the company focuses on 3D printing technology to construct large structures in space, aiming to revolutionize material deployment in orbit. In parallel, Lodestar is developing a platform-agnostic robotics system, starting with a dexterous robotic arm designed for the inspection and repair of orbiting assets. This robotic arm is engineered to operate autonomously in microgravity, capable of withstanding harsh conditions such as radiation and extreme temperatures, while maintaining high precision for delicate aerospace tasks. Through these innovations, Lodestar is addressing critical challenges in space infrastructure and enhancing the capabilities of aerospace companies.
HyImpulse Technologies GmbH
Grant in 2024
HyImpulse Technologies GmbH is an aerospace company focused on providing access to space through hybrid propulsion systems. The company specializes in developing mini-launchers for small satellites, orbital launch vehicles, and sounding rockets, including their SR75, a single-stage sounding rocket designed to conduct suborbital flights for institutional and commercial experiments in microgravity environments. By leveraging hybrid rocket motors, HyImpulse aims to offer clients frequent, reliable, and cost-effective launch services, catering to the growing demand for space access in both the commercial and research sectors.
Orbit Fab, Inc. is a company focused on developing orbital propellant depots to support satellite servicing and expand the operational capabilities of space assets. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company provides various products, including the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) for on-orbit refueling and docking, as well as prototypes of rigid and flexible tankers for the International Space Station (ISS). By creating the necessary infrastructure for in-space fuel supply, Orbit Fab aims to foster a growing market for satellite maintenance and new industries such as space tourism, manufacturing, and mining. Their technology enhances the flexibility and operational lifespan of satellites, enabling operators to acquire fuel and materials as needed, thus transforming the way satellites are serviced in orbit.
Rolls-Royce Holdings
Grant in 2024
Rolls-Royce Holdings is an industrial technology company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, specializing in integrated power and propulsion solutions. Established in 1884, the company operates through four main divisions: Civil Aerospace, Power Systems, Defence, and ITP Aero. The Civil Aerospace division focuses on the development and support of aero engines for commercial aircraft, regional jets, and business aviation, complemented by aftermarket services. The Power Systems division designs and manufactures reciprocating engines and propulsion systems for various sectors, including marine, defense, and power generation. The Defence division supplies military aero engines and naval propulsion systems, while ITP Aero is involved in the design, manufacturing, and testing of aeronautical engines and gas turbines, along with maintenance services. Rolls-Royce plays a crucial role in facilitating transportation, energy generation, and defense capabilities across the globe, addressing the increasing demand for efficient power solutions.
Rolls-Royce Holdings
Grant in 2024
Rolls-Royce Holdings is an industrial technology company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, specializing in integrated power and propulsion solutions. Established in 1884, the company operates through four main divisions: Civil Aerospace, Power Systems, Defence, and ITP Aero. The Civil Aerospace division focuses on the development and support of aero engines for commercial aircraft, regional jets, and business aviation, complemented by aftermarket services. The Power Systems division designs and manufactures reciprocating engines and propulsion systems for various sectors, including marine, defense, and power generation. The Defence division supplies military aero engines and naval propulsion systems, while ITP Aero is involved in the design, manufacturing, and testing of aeronautical engines and gas turbines, along with maintenance services. Rolls-Royce plays a crucial role in facilitating transportation, energy generation, and defense capabilities across the globe, addressing the increasing demand for efficient power solutions.
In-Space Missions
Grant in 2024
In-Space Missions is a UK-based company that specializes in the design, construction, and operation of satellites and satellite systems. It caters to a diverse clientele, including new space ventures, traditional space companies, institutions, and government agencies. The company focuses on delivering a comprehensive range of services, from concept and business case development to system operation. In-Space Missions also provides consultancy and procurement support, facilitating the development and execution of space missions. Additionally, it offers a space-as-a-service platform that enables clients to conduct technology demonstrations and deploy payloads in low Earth orbit efficiently and cost-effectively, allowing for rapid access to space.
Founded in 2015, Orbex is a leading private launch services company in Europe, specializing in the small satellite industry. The company has developed a low carbon, high-performance micro-launch vehicle that supports the deployment of satellites into polar and sun-synchronous low Earth orbits from a modern launch site in central Europe. Orbex offers a flexible core launch service along with a range of supporting services aimed at simplifying the launch process for its customers. By operating from a European location, Orbex benefits from shorter supply lines, easier communication, and reduced operational costs. The company utilizes advanced materials and in-house technologies, including rocket engines and avionics, to ensure high reliability and flexible mission profiles, enabling timely launches for small, micro, and nano-satellites.
Space Forge Limited, founded in 2018 and based in Bristol, United Kingdom, focuses on developing reusable satellites for manufacturing unique materials in space. The company's innovative approach allows for the production of super materials that cannot be created on Earth, utilizing the advantages of the space environment. Space Forge manufactures alloys, metals, and crystals used across various industries, including computing, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. By leveraging space-based manufacturing, the company aims to contribute to a cleaner industrial revolution, helping clients reduce energy loss and carbon emissions while producing lighter vehicles and improving material properties. The company operates laboratories in Bristol and Wales to support its research and development efforts.
Airbus Group
Grant in 2023
Airbus Group is a leading global aerospace and defense company that designs, develops, and manufactures a wide range of aircraft, including both commercial and military models, as well as space launch vehicles and satellites. The company operates through three main divisions: commercial, defense and space, and helicopters. The commercial division offers a diverse lineup of aircraft, from narrow-body models like the A220 and A320 to larger wide-body options such as the A330 and A350. The defense and space segment provides military hardware, including transport aircraft, aerial tankers, and fighter jets, while the helicopter division focuses on producing turbine helicopters for civil and public sectors. Additionally, Airbus is involved in satellite manufacturing and provides aeronautical and space services, including satellite imagery and data processing, further solidifying its position in both the aerospace and defense industries.
Horizon Technologies
Grant in 2023
Horizon Technologies specializes in innovative signals intelligence (SIGINT) and space-based maritime domain awareness (MDA) intelligence solutions. The company is recognized as a leader in airborne satellite phone monitoring systems, which are designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications. Horizon Technologies provides governments worldwide with advanced capabilities for intercepting satellite communications, including voice, fax, data, and SMS transmissions. Its proprietary FlyingFish SIGINT system is operational on various platforms globally. The company actively participates in search and rescue missions through NATO and FRONTEX in the Mediterranean Sea, engages in counter-piracy operations off the coasts of East Africa and Asia, and is involved in international operations across the Levant and various regions in Africa.
Space Forge Limited, founded in 2018 and based in Bristol, United Kingdom, focuses on developing reusable satellites for manufacturing unique materials in space. The company's innovative approach allows for the production of super materials that cannot be created on Earth, utilizing the advantages of the space environment. Space Forge manufactures alloys, metals, and crystals used across various industries, including computing, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. By leveraging space-based manufacturing, the company aims to contribute to a cleaner industrial revolution, helping clients reduce energy loss and carbon emissions while producing lighter vehicles and improving material properties. The company operates laboratories in Bristol and Wales to support its research and development efforts.
Rolls-Royce Holdings
Grant in 2023
Rolls-Royce Holdings is an industrial technology company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, specializing in integrated power and propulsion solutions. Established in 1884, the company operates through four main divisions: Civil Aerospace, Power Systems, Defence, and ITP Aero. The Civil Aerospace division focuses on the development and support of aero engines for commercial aircraft, regional jets, and business aviation, complemented by aftermarket services. The Power Systems division designs and manufactures reciprocating engines and propulsion systems for various sectors, including marine, defense, and power generation. The Defence division supplies military aero engines and naval propulsion systems, while ITP Aero is involved in the design, manufacturing, and testing of aeronautical engines and gas turbines, along with maintenance services. Rolls-Royce plays a crucial role in facilitating transportation, energy generation, and defense capabilities across the globe, addressing the increasing demand for efficient power solutions.
Satellite Applications Catapult
Grant in 2023
Satellite Applications Catapult is a space incubation service provider based in Didcot, England, focused on enhancing the UK's capabilities in satellite applications. As part of the Catapult network, it collaborates with businesses, scientists, and engineers to support late-stage research and development. The organization offers a range of services including business advice, market research, networking opportunities, and assistance with business plan preparation. By transforming high-potential ideas into viable products and services, Satellite Applications Catapult aims to foster innovation and drive economic growth within the space sector.
Lumi Space is a developer of advanced satellite technology focused on providing precise information for space surveillance, particularly concerning satellite orbits and collision avoidance. The company offers data services and satellite retroreflectors, which enhance the accuracy of tracking space debris and satellite movements. Lumi Space is also engaged in research and development of high-power laser technologies aimed at minimizing the environmental impact associated with satellite operations. As the reliance on space infrastructure grows and the number of satellites increases, Lumi Space addresses the critical challenge of space debris, contributing to safer and more sustainable space activities.
Lumi Space is a developer of advanced satellite technology focused on providing precise information for space surveillance, particularly concerning satellite orbits and collision avoidance. The company offers data services and satellite retroreflectors, which enhance the accuracy of tracking space debris and satellite movements. Lumi Space is also engaged in research and development of high-power laser technologies aimed at minimizing the environmental impact associated with satellite operations. As the reliance on space infrastructure grows and the number of satellites increases, Lumi Space addresses the critical challenge of space debris, contributing to safer and more sustainable space activities.
ALL.SPACE specializes in the development of advanced smart terminal technology aimed at enhancing connectivity across various environments, including land, sea, and air. The company, previously known as Isotropic Systems, has created the world's first next-generation smart terminal that enables seamless communication with all satellites, networks, and orbits simultaneously. Their innovative software-defined service platform features intelligent routing and edge computing capabilities, ensuring high network resilience and application performance. The S2000 range of terminals is highly customizable, offering numerous options in sizes, transmission/reception ratios, and configurations to meet diverse client needs. This modular design allows businesses to optimize their communication solutions, improve enterprise mobility, and achieve faster returns on bandwidth, ultimately expanding their customer base and increasing profitability.
Lumi Space is a developer of advanced satellite technology focused on providing precise information for space surveillance, particularly concerning satellite orbits and collision avoidance. The company offers data services and satellite retroreflectors, which enhance the accuracy of tracking space debris and satellite movements. Lumi Space is also engaged in research and development of high-power laser technologies aimed at minimizing the environmental impact associated with satellite operations. As the reliance on space infrastructure grows and the number of satellites increases, Lumi Space addresses the critical challenge of space debris, contributing to safer and more sustainable space activities.
Virgin Orbit
Grant in 2019
Virgin Orbit, LLC is a vertically integrated space company based in Long Beach, California, and incorporated in 2016. As a subsidiary of Virgin.com Limited, it specializes in providing dedicated launch services for small satellites, catering to both commercial and government entities. The company operates the LauncherOne system, which offers flexible launch capabilities tailored specifically for small satellites. Virgin Orbit’s services encompass the delivery of satellites into orbit for a range of customers across various sectors, including commercial, civil, and national security. By focusing on democratizing access to space, Virgin Orbit aims to enhance opportunities for research, private astronaut flights, and satellite deployment, ultimately benefiting life on Earth.
B2Space specializes in the commercial space industry by offering technical expertise and independent safety advisory services for spaceports, launchers, and operations management. The company aims to democratize access to space and supports the advancement of new space technologies. B2Space has developed a high-altitude launching system utilizing a stratospheric balloon that elevates a self-operative platform, providing a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solution for small and micro satellites seeking to reach low Earth orbit. Additionally, B2Space offers cybersecurity solutions to enhance the safety and security of its operations.
SmallSpark is a Welsh aerospace company based in Cardiff Bay, focused on developing hybrid engine launch vehicle technology. The company aims to significantly reduce the cost of access to space, making it feasible for a wide range of clients to send payloads into orbit or on sounding rockets. By offering low-cost space vehicles, SmallSpark enables customers to utilize advanced hybrid rocket motor technology, thereby democratizing access to space and fostering broader commercial opportunities in the aerospace sector.
B2Space specializes in the commercial space industry by offering technical expertise and independent safety advisory services for spaceports, launchers, and operations management. The company aims to democratize access to space and supports the advancement of new space technologies. B2Space has developed a high-altitude launching system utilizing a stratospheric balloon that elevates a self-operative platform, providing a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solution for small and micro satellites seeking to reach low Earth orbit. Additionally, B2Space offers cybersecurity solutions to enhance the safety and security of its operations.