Dark

Dark, a French company founded in 2021, develops systems to divert space debris. It initially focused on developing a multipurpose air-launched rocket and then shifted to orbital debris mitigation.

Dark’s emergency debris removal system “Interceptor” combines different types of atmospheric and orbital propulsion systems that use methane- and liquid oxygen-fueled engines. These are capable of achieving high operating pressures using conventional fuels. The company reported it was also carrying out simulations to test Interceptor’s capabilities to reach any orbit in space within six hours and capture large debris. It also expects to design, manufacture, and test its combustion chamber, which uses special alloys for additive manufacturing.

The company expected to launch to orbit from France by 2026 and has taken an initiative that involves exchanges with The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and The National Centre for Space Studies (CNES). The company announced it would communicate the launch airport and unveil the payload after the first phase.

Key customers and partnerships

In June 2023, Dark was awarded a contract from CNES to conduct the world’s first private emergency interception simulation to assess Dark’s Interceptor system.

In October 2023, Dark partnered with CNES to get support to develop its latest generation of rocket engine, allowing CNES to use the results of the combustion chamber test performed by Dark. This partnership included a second phase aiming to industrialize a process to produce reusable engines.