Founded in 1997, Earlybird invests in all development and growth phases of technology companies. Among the most experienced venture investors in Europe, Earlybird offers its portfolio companies not only financial resources but also strategic support plus access to an international network and capital markets. With EUR 2 billion under management, eight IPOs and 30 trade sales, Earlybird is one of the most established and active venture capital firms in Europe.

Earlybird Venture Capital

UVC Partners is a Munich- and Berlin-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology-based startups in the areas of enterprise software, industrial technologies, and mobility. The fund typically invests between € 0.5 - 10m initially and up to € 20m in total per company.

UVC Partners

Vito Ventures invests in break-through tech and business startups in the fields of IoT, B2B marketplaces, enterprise, SaaS and energy tech.  Vito Ventures backs ambitious founders and startups applying technology to solve fundamental problems of society ranging from climate change to energy security. They believe that superb engineering and radical entrepreneurial thinking is needed to tackle major challenges of the upcoming decades. With its investments they empower startups, which will make a difference both within their industry and beyond.  Through its industrial investor base, they have access to extensive resources (e.g., R&D facilities, global market reach, mass production capabilities). Its portfolio companies can actively leverage their investor’s domain expertise and knowledge base in the fields of Cooling-, Heating- and Energy-technology, Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things. Whether it is developer capacity or prototyping experience, they want to build bridges and open doors whenever possible.

Vito Ventures

Airbus Ventures invests in autonomous mobility, electrification, low-carbon economy, advanced materials, manufacturing systems, next-generation computing, sensing, security, and beyond. AV continuously fosters close and trusted relationships with other leading venture firms, actively offering hands-on expertise to our portfolio companies. We proudly leverage the richly dense networks of our mothership Airbus and its supply chain, as well as the wider ecosystem of our Limited Partners. We work with multiple LPs – including Airbus SE, Development Bank of Japan Inc., Mitsubishi HC Capital, Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd., and McKinley Capital – to better enable our entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.

Airbus Ventures

Lakestar is a venture capital firm investing in technology companies led by exceptional entrepreneurs. Early investments included Skype, Spotify, Facebook, and Airbnb. Since raising the first fund in 2013, Lakestar manages an aggregated volume of over EUR 1bn across three early-stage funds, and more recently a growth fund.  The company has expanded and broadened its portfolio and holds investments in the likes of Opendoor, Oscar, GetYourGuide, Glovo, Sender, Eigen, Five, Revolut, and Hometogo to name a few. Lakestar has a presence in Berlin, Zurich, and London. Lakestar helps companies to identify new markets and expand into them rapidly, with a focus on the US and Europe. The team advises and supports portfolio companies in business development, recruitment, technology, and marketing. The investments range from early-stage companies to those in their growth stage.

Lakestar

HV Capital is a Munich- and Berlin-based venture capital firm that supports founders in developing their internet companies. Since 2000 HV Capital, formerly HV Holtzbrinck Ventures, has invested in Internet and technology companies through various generations of funds and is one of the most successful and financially strongest early-stage and growth investors in Europe. HV Capital has already invested in around 200 companies, including Zalando, Delivery Hero, FlixMobility and SumUp. The total of all HV Funds amounts to €1.7 billion. The company supports startups with capital between €500,000 and €50 million. This makes HV Capital one of the few venture capitalists in Europe that can finance startups through all growth phases.

HV Capital

Apeiron Investment Group is the family office and private investment firm of entrepreneur and investor Christian Angermayer. With more than USD 2.5 billion under management and over 50 people across five international locations, Apeiron focuses on Life Sciences, FinTech & Crypto, FutureTech, and Experiences, Hospitality & Happiness. Apeiron has a global approach and deploys its capital across the entire company lifecycle, from founding companies in-house, seed/start-up investments, to large-scale investments in listed companies.

Apeiron Investment Group

Vsquared Ventures invests in early-stage deep-tech companies that are tackling society's most pressing challenges, with a focus on quantum and novel computing, green energy, robotics, AI/ML, new space, synthetic biology, and healthcare. It is committed to a partnership and will go to any length to help accelerate and scale vision, unlocking all seemingly impossible possibilities.

Vsquared Ventures

Established in 1796, Lombard Odier & Cie is the oldest firm of private bankers in Geneva and one of the largest in Switzerland and Europe.  The company attaches great importance to its independence - the key to its freedom of judgment - and has always remained true to its vocation: to preserve and grow the assets given to it to manage, and to help hand them down to future generations.

Lombard Odier

Porsche Automobil Holding SE (''Porsche SE'') is a listed holding company. The holding was founded in 2007. In particular, it holds the majority of the ordinary shares in the Volkswagen Group, one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. In addition to this anchor shareholding, Porsche SE intends to make further strategic investments along the automotive value chain. This comprises the entire spectrum of basic technologies geared to supporting the development and production process through to vehicle- and mobility-related services. As a consequence, Porsche SE holds almost 100 percent in PTV Planung Transport Verkehr AG (”PTV AG”), Karlsruhe/Germany, a provider of software for traffic planning and traffic management as well as transport logistics. Additionally, Porsche SE has minority stakes in the US-technology company INRIX Inc., Kirkland, Washington/USA (”INRIX”) and in the two 3D printing specialists Markforged Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts/USA (''Markforged”) and Seurat Technologies Inc., Wilmington/Massachusetts/USA (''Seurat Technologies'').

Porsche Automobil Holding

Bayern Kapital (founded at the end of 1995) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the LfA Foerderbank Bayern (Bavaria‘s development bank). Bayern Kapital’s objective is to finance research and development as well as the market launch of new products, product diversifications, and expansion of the market share. The requesting company has to be located in Bavaria. Industries are e. g. IT/software, life sciences, new materials, micro-systems and environmental technologies.   Bayern Kapital and its funds have invested in more than 250 companies and currently manages funds to the value of EUR 340 m. The five investing funds currently managed by Bayern Kapital are Seedfonds Bayern, Clusterfonds Start-Up!, Innovationsfonds, Innovationsfonds EFRE and Wachstumsfonds Bayern.

Bayern Kapital

7 Industries

10x Group is a group of serial entrepreneurs and founders investing in founders of digital start-ups in Europe and Silicon Valley.

10x Group

Leblon Capital

Besant Digital is an investment firm investing in transformational companies across the world.

Besant Capital

The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) was created to supercharge the Alliance’s unique innovation ecosystems. Allied talent and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are world-leading, but the market to support deep tech innovation is underfunded. With the NIF, the fund is creating a commercialization machine in both the private and public sectors, backing innovators to secure the future for the Alliance's 1 billion citizens.

NATO Innovation Fund

Finadvice Med Holdings is an investment vehicle funded by a collection of European entrepreneurs.

Finadvice Med Holdings

G3T is a family-owned holding business with industrial origins.

LP&E is a privately held venture capital firm.

LP&E

Isar Aerospace

Isar Aerospace is a space technology company that builds rockets through automated production. It offers launch services dedicated to deploying and resupplying satellite constellations and ensuring low-cost space access for small satellites.

<div>Isar Aerospace is a space technology company that builds rockets in an automated production. It offers launch services dedicated to deploying and resupplying satellite constellations and to ensure low-cost space access for small satellites. The company was founded in 2018 in Europe.</div>

Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

Isar Aerospace develops and manufactures small launch vehicles designed to deliver satellites into orbit. The company's flagship product is Spectrum, a two-stage liquid-fuel rocket capable of carrying payloads up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit and 700 kg to sun-synchronous orbit. Standing 28 meters tall with a 2-meter diameter, Spectrum is powered by Isar's proprietary Aquila engines - nine Aquila SL engines on the first stage and one Aquila VAC engine on the second stage. The company employs a vertical integration approach, manufacturing most components in-house using automation and advanced technologies like additive manufacturing and carbon composite materials. As of 2024, Isar aims to launch its maiden Spectrum flight from Andøya Space Center in Norway, where it has secured exclusive access to a launch pad for up to 20 years. The company has manufacturing facilities in Ottobrunn near Munich and operates engine test facilities in Reischach, Germany and at Sweden's Esrange Space Center. As of 2023, Isar employed over 200 people from more than 40 nations.

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

SpaceX's German rival Isar Aerospace secures €65M from Nato Innovation Fund — TFN

Isar Aerospace develops and manufactures small launch vehicles designed to deliver satellites into orbit. The company's flagship product is Spectrum, a two-stage liquid-fuel rocket capable of carrying payloads up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit and 700 kg to sun-synchronous orbit. Standing 28 meters tall with a 2-meter diameter, Spectrum is powered by Isar's proprietary Aquila engines - nine Aquila SL engines on the first stage and one Aquila VAC engine on the second stage. The company employs a vertical integration approach, manufacturing most components in-house using automation and advanced technologies like additive manufacturing and carbon composite materials. As of 2024, Isar aims to launch its maiden Spectrum flight from Andøya Space Center in Norway, where it has secured exclusive access to a launch pad for up to 20 years. The company has manufacturing facilities in Ottobrunn near Munich and operates engine test facilities in Reischach, Germany and at Sweden's Esrange Space Center. As of 2023, Isar employed over 200 people from more than 40 nations.
Key customers and partnerships
Isar has secured multiple commercial launch contracts, including agreements with Airbus Defence and Space to launch an Earth observation satellite announced in April 2021. The company signed a multi-launch contract with OroraTech in September 2021 to deploy ten wildfire monitoring satellites between 2022 and 2026. In October 2021, EnduroSat contracted Isar for multiple rideshare missions to launch several software-defined nanosatellites between 2022 and 2025. The company also has agreements with Italian space logistics firm D-Orbit, French satellite startup Exotrail, and US launch services provider Spaceflight Inc.

New Important Step for Norway and Germany's Space Cooperation

German startup Isar Aerospace signs first launch contract

Isar Aerospace Technologies: Analysis & in-depth guide [2023]

SSC signs contract with Isar Aerospace

Starting to take off: German rocket maker Isar Aerospace raises $165m

Germany Launch Poster

Isar Aerospace raises $165 million to bring more sovereign launch to Europe

Innovative technology in space

Everything you need to know about Isar Aerospace

<div>
 
 Isar Aerospace is a space technology company that builds rockets in an automated production. It offers launch services dedicated to deploying and resupplying satellite constellations and to ensure low-cost space access for small satellites. The company was founded in 2018 in Europe.
 
</div>

SpinLaunch is a space technology company developing a kinetic launch system to provide low-cost and high-frequency access to space. Unlike traditional fuel-based rockets, SpinLaunch's system utilizes a ground-based, electric-powered centrifuge to accelerate payloads to hypersonic speeds before releasing them into the atmosphere. Its solution is capable of putting 200 kg-class satellites into low orbit. The firm claims this method significantly reduces environmental impact by ~95% compared to conventional rocket launches. Its electric-drive Orbital accelerator offers a revolutionary approach to space travel and significantly reduces the fuel needed to reach orbit by 4x, mitigates costs by 10x, and enables multiple launches per day.Suborbital Accelerator operates at speeds between 800 miph and 5,000 miph, and primarily serves as a testing platform for the Orbital Launch System. It allows customers to conduct tests and serves as a facility for long-term satellite qualification. The company’s first major milestone was the successful test of its suborbital accelerator at Spaceport America in New Mexico in October 2021, where a projectile was launched tens of thousands of feet at 20% power capacity. SpinLaunch also planned to launch small satellites into low-Earth orbit by 2026.SpinLaunch has also created a new type of highly affordable satellite. It claims that applying mass manufacturing techniques and simplifying the supply chain reduces costs without compromising performance. SpinLaunch’s satellites are specifically designed for mass accelerators but are also compatible with traditional launch systems and serve a variety of use cases, such as surveillance broadcasts, Internet of things (IoT), machine-to-machine communication (M2M), and emergency communication platforms.<h3>Key customers and partnerships</h3>In September 2023, SpinLaunch partnered with Sumitomo Corporation (Japan) for the global expansion of affordable and sustainable space services. SpinLaunch has also attracted significant interest and formed strategic partnerships with major organizations, including ATW Partners, Kleiner Perkins, and GV. In 2019, the Department of Defense signed a "launch prototype contract" with SpinLaunch to provide reliable and cost-effective launch services​.Funding and financialsIn September 2022, SpinLaunch secured USD 71 million in a Series B funding round led by ATW Partners to continue developing its launch system and satellite technologies​. In January 2020, the company raised USD 35 million from venture capitalists to aid the development of its kinetic launch system.

SpinLaunch

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems, offering a comprehensive range of solutions from satellite manufacturing to orbital launches. The company's primary launch vehicle, Electron, has become the second most frequently launched US rocket annually, having delivered over 190 satellites to orbit for various commercial and government partners. Electron is capable of carrying payloads of up to 300 kilograms to low Earth orbit. In addition to Electron, Rocket Lab has developed HASTE, a suborbital hypersonic launch vehicle.Rocket Lab is currently developing Neutron, an advanced 13-tonne payload class reusable launch vehicle designed for constellation deployment and interplanetary missions. The company successfully conducted the first hot fire test of its Archimedes engine in August 2024, which will power Neutron's first stage. Neutron's unique design encapsulates its second stage within a reusable first stage with an integrated payload fairing. Rocket Lab aims to launch Neutron by mid-2025, potentially marking the fastest time to market for a commercially developed medium-class launch vehicle.Beyond launch services, Rocket Lab has established itself as a premier supplier of advanced satellites, flight-proven subsystems, and spacecraft components. The company's technology spans various areas, including space solar power, composite structures, flight software, star trackers, reaction wheels, and separation systems. As of August 2024, Rocket Lab's satellite technology and components have been integrated into more than 1,700 satellite missions globally. In the second quarter of 2024, Rocket Lab reported record revenue of USD 106.3 million, representing a 71% year-over-year increase.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsRocket Lab has secured partnerships with several high-profile customers and organizations. The company has conducted multiple launches for NASA, including the CAPSTONE mission to the Moon in 2022 and the upcoming ESCAPADE mission to Mars. In August 2024, Rocket Lab delivered two spacecraft for the ESCAPADE mission to Cape Canaveral.Rocket Lab has also established a strong relationship with Capella Space, having completed five missions for the company since August 2020. In August 2024, Rocket Lab successfully launched Capella Space's Acadia-3 satellite, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, into orbit. Additionally, the company has partnered with the University of California Berkeley's Space Science Laboratory to build spacecraft for NASA missions. &nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35960">In November 2024</a>, Rocket Lab signed a multi-launch agreement with an undisclosed commercial satellite operator for its Neutron rocket.

Rocket Lab

D-Orbit, an Italy-based company, specializes in satellite deployment, in-space transportation, and in-orbit servicing through its ION Satellite Carrier. The ION reduces satellite deployment time by up to 85% and costs by 40%. By December 2024, D-Orbit had completed 13 missions, deploying 110 satellites and 44 hosted payloads. It was the world’s first B Corp-certified space company.D-Orbit delivers services covering satellite deployment, in-orbit maintenance, mission control, and advanced space solutions. Deployment options include Rideshare, which uses third-party launchers for standard orbits; Precision Deployment, which uses the ION Satellite Carrier to tailor orbital placements; and Constellation Deployment, which phases satellites into optimal positions. D-Orbit's Aurora cloud platform supports real-time telemetry monitoring, trajectory updates, telecommands, and 3D visualization, enabling operators to manage satellites efficiently or delegate control to D-Orbit to streamline operations.In-orbit services encompass transportation, lifetime extension, assembly, refurbishment, debris removal, and inspection. Advanced offerings include the ION Hosted Payload Service for technology testing, in-orbit data computing via D-Orbit Cloud, and a SaaS model. The IRIDE constellation project, financed by Italy’s National Plan for Recovery and Resilience and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Italian Space Agency (ASI), aims to provide Earth observation data for public services like marine monitoring, air quality, and climate analysis. Launches were planned from 2025 to 2026.The company also offers satellite hardware and software, such as the AOCS Suite for satellite control, the D-Sense module for positioning, and systems like D-Raise for propulsion and D3 for satellite disposal.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsD-Orbit's customer base includes ESA, ASI, Planet Labs, Spaceflight, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace &amp; Defense (EBAD), the University of Southern California, Brown University, and TelePIX from South Korea.Early partnerships by the company included&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-launches-two-ion-satellite-carrier-on-its-seventh-orbital-transportation-mission/#:~:text=D%2DOrbit%20launched%20its%20first,more%20than%2090%20payloads%20collectively.">SpaceX</a> for deploying ION Satellite Carrier missions and collaborations with&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-launches-aurora-a-cloud-based-mission-control-software-suite/">Leaf Space and AWS</a> Ground Station to enhance the Aurora platform's global mission control. Significant partnerships also included&nbsp;<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/07/starfish-space-and-d-orbit-complete-orbital-rendezvous-bringing-otter-pup-mission-to-a-close/">Starfish Space</a> for orbital rendezvous,&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-signs-agreement-with-hyimpulse-technologies-for-joint-eu-based-launch-and-deployment-mission/">HyImpulse Technologies</a> for EU-based satellite launch and deployment services,&nbsp;<a href="https://metasensing.com/metasensing-selected-to-provide-the-sar-payload-sensor-for-the-nox-mission-in-italys-iride-constellation/">MetaSensing</a> for supporting ESA's IRIDE Earth observation project, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/D_Orbit_and_SkyServe_enhance_satellite_analytics_with_new_edge_computing_platform_999.html">SkyServe STORM</a> for utilizing Edge computing in space-based data processing.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34798">October 2024</a>, ESA awarded D-Orbit a contract to develop a spacecraft-servicing vehicle for geostationary satellites and in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36352">November 2024</a>, D-Orbit partnered with Morpheus Space to demonstrate the GO-2 electric propulsion system aboard its orbital transfer vehicle.&nbsp;

D-Orbit

Phantom Space Corporation is a space services company providing all-in-one capabilities for satellite manufacturing and launch services to commercial and government clients.Phantom Space caters to launch services primarily using its launch vehicle, Daytona Rocket, which is a two-stage system designed to carry payloads of up to 450 kg, including satellites and other space cargo into low-Earth orbit (LEO), for less than USD 4 million per launch. In addition to the Daytona, Phantom Space was developing the larger Laguna rocket, scheduled for launch in 2025, to be powered by a combination of Ripley and Hadley engines produced by Ursa Major to increase payload capacity to 1,200 kg for LEO missions at USD 8 million per launch.In November 2022, the company achieved a major milestone by conducting a successful 60-second hot fire test of the Daytona's Pathfinder test stage at Spaceport America in New Mexico, validating approximately 75% of the vehicle's systems in a flight-realistic condition.The company also provides solutions for designing, manufacturing, and operating small satellites, ranging from single CubeSats to constellations of ESPA-class spacecraft. As of May 2024, Phantom Space had 46 satellite and spacecraft programs successfully executed, while three were currently in progress.As of June 2023, the company aimed to offer affordable access to space through its proprietary rocket and satellite designs. To this end, Phantom Space aimed to employ mass production techniques to reduce costs and increase the frequency of space access for government and commercial entities. Key customers and partnershipsIn May 2023, Phantom Space signed a launch services agreement with Quub, a satellite manufacturer, for three dedicated launches in 2025.In November 2022, Phantom Space secured task orders from NASA for the agency's Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions program. The orders involved launching four CubeSat satellites on the second and fourth Daytona rocket flights from Vandenberg Space Force Base, planned for 2024.

Phantom Space

The Beyond Earth Institute is a space policy think tank focused on human spaceflight established in 2010. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission to establish and sustain policy and legal frameworks that enable economically vibrant communities beyond Earth. The institute conducts primary and secondary research to develop and publicize reports and policy recommendations throughout space policy communities in the US and internationally. Their work centers on catalyzing technology readiness, worldwide public support, and public policies needed to achieve a permanent human presence in space. The organization's research and policy efforts particularly focus on enabling long-term human settlement beyond Earth and developing the cislunar economy.
Key customers and partnerships
Beyond Earth has collaborated with Space Perspective. In January 2023, the organization worked with Japanese space company ispace to support their Hakuto-R moon lander mission, which launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Beyond Earth

Companies that offer launch capabilities to get satellites into orbit, including last-mile delivery of satellites and value-added services including launch mission planning and execution

Companies that provide satellite management services once they are deployed

Includes companies that develop satellite buses and payloads for mini, micro and nano systems

Companies that manufacture components for mini, micro, nano, and picosatellite systems

Satellite companies that offer location-based intelligence, navigation, mapping, spatial awareness, and data analytics services

Use of autonomous robotics in the production process, specially in the miniature satellite segments

Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), founded by Elon Musk, designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft. It developed Falcon 9, the first reusable orbital-class rocket, reducing launch costs through reusability. SpaceX became the first private company to transport cargo and astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS) using its Dragon spacecraft. It also completed the first all-civilian crewed mission to orbit.As of December 2024, SpaceX was working on Starship, a fully reusable launch vehicle integrated with the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket. Starship is designed for crew and cargo transportation beyond Earth’s orbit. The maiden launch in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17914">April 2023</a> failed due to a stage separation issue, while a second flight in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24117">November 2023</a> ended in a mid-air explosion but showed significant progress.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30279">June 2024</a>, SpaceX successfully brought the Starship booster and upper stage back to Earth in controlled splashdowns. The company also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30611">20 Starlink satellites</a> and replaced older satellites over Europe with the&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30664">SES satellite</a>.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31473">July 2024</a>, SpaceX launched two Starlink missions, but one Falcon 9 launch failed due to an&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31996">upper-stage malfunction</a>. During the same&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32021">month</a>, SpaceX launched two Starlink missions to deliver 44 new Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33338">September 2024</a>, SpaceX announced plans for uncrewed Mars missions by 2026 and crewed missions by 2028. The&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34797">following month</a>, the company launched NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft aboard Falcon Heavy to explore Jupiter's moon Europa.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsSpaceX has formed key partnerships with NASA and other government agencies. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/16/science/spacex-moon-nasa.html#:~:text=NASA%20announced%20on%20Friday%20that,and%20robotic%20explorers%20to%20space.">April 2021</a>, NASA awarded the company a USD 2.9 billion contract to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972. This was followed by a second crewed demonstration landing in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14642">November 2022</a>. SpaceX also received additional crew flights to the ISS in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12727">September 2022</a>.In&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/spacex-wins-102-million-air-force-contract-to-demonstrate-technologies-for-point-to-point-space-transportation/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20U.S.%20Air%20Force,world%20on%20a%20heavy%20rocket.">January 2022</a>, SpaceX secured a contract with the US Air Force for a point-to-point space transportation technology demonstration. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13938">October 2022</a>, the European Space Agency (ESA) contracted SpaceX to launch the Euclid space telescope and Hera Probe on Falcon 9 rockets, replacing the original Soyuz launch plans.In&nbsp;<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/northrop-grumman-collaboration-with-spacex-on-classified-spy-satellite-project/articleshow/109424490.cms?from=mdr">April 2024</a>, SpaceX partnered with Northrop Grumman for a classified reconnaissance satellite mission. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30280">June 2024</a>, the company was awarded a USD 1.5 million contract by NASA for the Mars Sample Return mission and was selected for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 contract alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30463">Blue Origin and ULA</a>.SpaceX continued to work with NASA in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31893">July 2024</a>, receiving a USD 113 million contract to launch NOAA's Joint Polar Satellite System 4 mission. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35031">October 2024</a>, SpaceX secured a USD 733.6 million contract from the US Space Force to conduct seven launches for the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer constellation.

SpaceX

Sierra Space, established in 2021 as a spin-off from Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems division, focuses on commercial space development. As of December 2024, it was developing the Dream Chaser, claimed to be the world’s first commercial spaceplane and the only winged reusable spaceplane, with a low 1.5 g-force re-entry designed for crew and cargo transport. Despite delays announced by United Launch Alliance (ULA) in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30892">June 2024</a>, Sierra Space had plans to launch the first Dream Chaser by late 2024.As of December 2024, the company was also developing the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat, an inflatable three-story commercial habitation and science platform designed for low Earth orbit. It supports four astronauts and features facilities for science, exercise, medical care, and food production. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31995">July 2024</a>, the LIFE module passed its second full-scale burst test, with plans for standalone testing of a 500 m³ module by 2025.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsIn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blueorigin.com/news/orbital-reef-commercial-space-station">October 2021</a>, Sierra Space and Blue Origin announced that the companies were developing Orbital Reef, a commercial space station, backed by players including Boeing, Redwire Space, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University. Orbital Reef was to be a commercially developed, owned, and operated space station to be built in low Earth orbit. The Dream Chaser and LIFE Habitat are critical components for Orbital Reef. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14055">October 2022</a>, the company signed an MOU with IBM to collaborate on space technology and software platforms for its spacecraft and infrastructure. Sierra Space partnered with Keystone Space Collaborative in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14514">November 2022</a>, to advance space economy and for the development of Orbital Reef.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16778">February 2023</a>, the company entered a five-year MOU with the University of Notre Dame to pursue space-based research in low-Earth orbit. The partnership covers R&amp;D payload identification, microgravity experimentation, and the design of hardware to support experiments and commercial applications of the results. Furthermore, in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17792">April 2023</a>, Sierra Space entered a long-term strategic partnership with ILC Dover to accelerate the development of next-generation space infrastructure. Sierra Space also partnered with Redwire in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21176">August 2023</a> for the development of a biotech experiment platform that would be installed on its LIFE inflatable module.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31493">July 2024</a>, Sierra Space partnered with MUFG Bank Ltd. and Tokio Marine &amp; Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd, along with existing partners Oita Prefecture, Kanematsu Corporation, and Japan Airlines to explore the potential for a landing spaceport in Oita, Japan.

Sierra Space

<div>
 
 Founded by Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic constructs commercial spacecraft with the goal of providing space travelers with suborbital spaceflights. Virgin Galactic is the first commercial spaceline created for space travel. Its feather technology allows its spaceship to fold in half, with the wings moving upward, offering unobstructed views of space. Virgin Galactic's suborbital aircraft are launched from beneath VMS Eve mothership (previously known as White Knight Two), a carrier plane. Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity spacecraft made its first spaceflight in 2018. Founder Richard Branson and three other colleagues boarded a flight as passengers in July 2021.
 
 
 In February 2022, the startup opened ticket sales to the public. A trip that lasts around 90 minutes costs USD 450,000 and was slated to commence in Q1 2023. Up to six passengers and two pilots can go to suborbital space at a time in a flight. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16466">
 February 2023
 </a>
 , the VMS Eve mothership took to the skies for the first time after undergoing mechanical upgrades. Although the results were not disclosed, according to flight tracking data the test flight lasted over two and a half hours and reached an altitude of 12,650 meters. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18896">
 May 2023
 </a>
 , conducted its first suborbital launch after a nearly two-year hiatus with the Unity 25 mission. It carried a crew of six and two pilots to an altitude of 44,500 ft for 90 minutes. Following this, in 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19794">
 June 2023
 </a>
 , the company completed the maiden launch of its commercial spaceflight, VSS Unity. Named Galactic 01, the mission carried 13 research payloads and a three-member crew. The company expected to launch monthly commercial flights after the Galactic 02 mission which was slated for August 2023.
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30285">
 June 2024
 </a>
 , Virgin Galactic launched its VSS Unity spacecraft with 6 crew members for its Galactic 07 mission, also marking its second launch mission in 2024.&nbsp;
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31351">
 July 2024
 </a>
 , the company concluded the construction of its new manufacturing facility and hangar complex at the Mesa Gateway Airport. The new facility would begin assembling the Delta spaceships by 2025.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 In April 2020, the company entered into a space act agreement with NASA relating to the development of high-speed point-to-point travel technologies and into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce in August 2020 to join in designing and developing engine propulsion technology for high-speed commercial aircraft. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14264">
 November 2022
 </a>
 , the company partnered with space infrastructure developer Axiom Space, to conduct microgravity research and training missions.
 
 
 Virgin Galactic partnered with Axiom Space again in May 2024 to deliver the Axiom Mission 3 backup and a Turkish Space Agency (TUA) astronaut on a suborbital flight for microgravity research. 
 
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Virgin Galactic

Arizona-based World View Enterprises designs and manufactures stratospheric balloons through which it takes high-resolution photos of Earth for scientific, government, and commercial organizations. Its World View Stratollite is a remotely operated stratospheric vehicle with new control capabilities that carries commercial, scientific, and government payloads to the near-space environment. It also utilizes the advantages of geostationary satellites, low-earth orbit satellites, and high-altitude drones to provide the optimum combination of resolution, precision, and long-term surveillance of vital targets.The startup announced its plans to enter the space tourism and exploration market in October 2021 with its rocketless spacecraft. The spacecraft, known as the World View Explorer, consists of a football ground sized zero-pressure helium balloon, which will ascend at 10–12 miles per hour, carrying passengers in a capsule beneath it in first-class luxury complete with a bathroom and Wi-Ffi. The vessel would glide passengers 100,000 feet into the stratosphere on a 6–12 hour journey (vs. Virgin Galactic's 90-minute flight time) and would cost USD 50,000 per passenger (vs. USD 450,000 for Virgin Galactic). Its competitive pricing is attributed to the use of a natural resource (helium) instead of jet fuel. The company planned to have space ports at iconic locations such as The Grand Canyon (US), Amazonia (Brazil), Aurora Borealis (Norway), Giza pyramids (Egypt), Serengeti (Kenya), Great wall of China, and Great Barrier Reef (Australia). The company planned to have 28 spacecraft (each can carry 8 passengers and 2 crew members) to fly four flights a day at each of the 7 sites. The first rides are scheduled for 2023 and the first passengers for 2024. Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15704">January 2023</a>, World View entered a definitive business combination deal with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Leo Holdings as it geared up to go public with this transaction valuing the combined company at an estimated USD 350 million. However, later in 2023, it renounced its plans to go public by terminating the SPAC merger.&nbsp;The company’s key customers include NASA, NOAA, the US Department of Defense, the US Air Force, and Sierra Nevada Corporation.

World View Enterprises

Space Perspective is a luxury spaceflight experience company. Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum, who were among the co-founders of World View Enterprises, founded the company when World View Enterprises diverted from its initial plan to offer similar stratospheric ballooning services and focused on Stratollites carrying payloads. Its Spaceship Neptune, which the company claims is the first carbon-neutral way to space, is a rocketless spacecraft which carries passengers in a capsule lifted by its 300-foot diameter SpaceBalloon.The Spaceship Neptune, designed to hold eight passengers and a pilot, will glide passengers to an altitude of over 100,000 feet on a six hour journey giving featuring facilities such plush seating, 360-degree panoramic windows, WiFi access and other amenities. Tickets are priced at USD 125,000 per passenger (vs. USD 50,000 per passenger for World View Enterprise) and customers can also pay using crypto. Commercial flights are targeted to begin from late 2024 with the first year of seats completely reserved by October 2021. In June 2021, the company safely completed its first test flight from the Space Coast Spaceport. In December 2021, the startup selected Florida’s Space Coast Spaceport for its worldwide campus and manufacturing complex.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32516">August 2024</a>, Space Perspective unveiled its 294 ft long Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyager, which would take tourists to space aboard its SpaceBalloons. The company reported that the MS Voyager was the first-ever spaceport for human spaceflight on open water. Following this, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33781">September 2024</a>, it concluded its uncrewed test flight for the Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior from the Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyage, flying to an altitude of 100,000 ft.Key customers and partnershipIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16038">January 2023</a>, Space Perspective entered a strategic partnership with global yacht brokerage company, Northrop and Johnson (N&amp;J) to allow select clients of N&amp;J exclusive access to space travel aboard Spaceship Neptune. In October 2023, Space Perspective partnered with Mercedes-Maybach to receive transportation for its customers to and from their spaceflights and to improve customers’ experience.

Space Perspective

Companies that facilitate space tourism and rocket and spacecraft launches, which include human spaceflights and satellite launches

Companies that facilitate space habitats capable of supporting humans in orbit for longer durations

Companies that facilitate space exploration, which includes planetary exploration robots and transportation cargo to the moon, Mars, and beyond

Companies engaging in tracking and  removing space debris and providing in-orbit services for satellites such as refueling, repairs, and orbital maneuvers in order to extend the life of space objects and reduce collision risk

Companies that extract resources and materials from asteroids and other planets and the moon

Robotics are offered by space debris management, space mining, and space exploration companies

A large number of companies use autonomous robots in the production process

Companies such as Relativity Space are using 3D printing to drive down production costs

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 Isar Aerospace, a German space launch services provider, has successfully gained an additional EUR 65 million (~USD 70 million) in an extension of its Series C funding round in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17350"> March 2023 </a>. This round saw the participation of NATO Innovation Fund along with 10x Group, Besant Capital, Finadvice Med HOLDINGS, and LP&amp;E as the leaders. The company also received contributions from existing investors such as Lakestar, Earlybird, Airbus Ventures, Bayern Kapital, and UVC Partners. With this extension, Isar's total funding accumulation from Series C has reached approximately EUR 220 million (~USD 235 million).
 The purpose of securing such a significant amount consists of multiple strategy enhancement goals. Primarily, Isar Aerospace plans to utilize the fund to increase the production scale of its two-stage small orbital launch vehicle, Spectrum; which is on the verge of its inaugral launch. Besides this, the fund will aid in the establishment of a state-of-the-art headquarters in Munich, Germany, which was announced to be in progress since May 2024. The new Munich base of operations will feature a factory designed to have an annual production capacity of 40 Spectrum rockets.
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Isar Aerospace

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