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

Besant Capital is an investment firm with geographical presence in Europe.

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, is a German launch services provider, specializing in the delivery of small and medium satellites, as well as constellations to Earth’s orbit. To this end, the company has developed Spectrum, its flagship launch vehicle. Spectrum is a 28-meter tall, two-stage orbital launch vehicle with a payload capacity of 1,000 kg to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and a 700 kg to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Developed fully in-house, the launch vehicle is powered by Aquila engine, which uses liquid oxygen and propane as propellant, which is claimed to provide clean propulsion with minimal environmental impact. Isar Aerospace provides dedicated, lead, and rideshare services with the Spectrum launch vehicle from its dedicated launch pad in Andoya, Norway, with the maiden flight slated to take place in 2H 2023.

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

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

<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. Key customers and partnerships Rocket 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.

Rocket Lab

Italy-based D-Orbit specializes in end-to-end solutions for satellite deployment, in-space transportation, and in-orbit servicing through its proprietary orbital transfer vehicle, the ION Satellite Carrier. The company asserts that the ION Satellite Carrier enables efficient satellite deployment by reducing the time from launch to operations by up to 85% and potential cost savings of up to 40%. It is also the first certified B-Corp space company in the world. As at June 2024, D-Orbit conducted its launches from the US and had completed 13 orbital transportation missions, deployed 100 satellites and 44 hosted payloads, with its next launch planned for July 2024.D-Orbit's services include (1) launch and deployment of satellites, (2) in-orbit services, (3) mission control as a service, (4) advanced services, and (5) systems and components.D-Orbit's launch and deployment services cater to small satellite operators with turnkey solutions that cover various phases of a satellite's lifecycle and includes offerings such as (1) Rideshare, which uses third-party compatible launchers for standard orbit deployment, (2) Precision Deployment, which uses the ION Satellite Carrier for customized orbit placement, and (3) Constellation Deployment, which phases satellite constellations using the ION carrier for optimal orbital placement. Additional services include insurance, mission analysis, onboard software development, and specialized transportation​.For Satellite management, D-Orbit offers a cloud-based mission control software suite named Aurora, which is designed for satellite operators and features a customizable web interface for telemetry, trajectory updates, and telecommands, along with 2D/3D orbit visualization. Operators can control satellites from any location and outsource mission control tasks to D-Orbit, reducing operational costs.The company also offers in-orbit maintenance services, which include satellite transportation, lifetime extension, in-orbit assembly and refurbishment, manufacturing, resupply, recycling, relocation, inspection, and debris removal.D-Orbit also offers advanced services such as the (1) ION Hosted Payload Service for swift payload deployment for testing and experiments, the (2) D-Orbit Cloud Platform for in-orbit data computing, and the (3) Satellite as a Service (SaaS) model exemplified by projects like IRIDE, offering satellite-based services without requiring customer-owned infrastructure. The IRIDE satellite constellation project is financed by the Italian PNRR (National Plan for Recovery and Resilience) and supported by the ESA (European Space Agency) and ASI (Italian Space Agency). IRIDE aims to provide advanced earth observation data for the Italian public administration and will offer services related to marine and coastal monitoring, air quality, land movement monitoring, land cover, hydro weather climate, and more. Satellite launches for the constellation are planned between 2025 and 2026.D-Orbit's Systems and Components division provides a suite of hardware components and software solutions for satellite operations, including the AOCS Suite, a modular Attitude and Orbit Control System designed for satellite stabilization and control, alongside the D-Sense multi-sensor ADCS module for precise satellite positioning. Additionally, its product lineup features specialized systems such as SimOn for safe rocket motor ignition, D3, a decommissioning device for satellite disposal, and D-Raise, a propulsion system engineered for efficient orbit raising, among others.Key customers and partnershipsKey customers include the European Space Agency (ESA), the Italian Space Agency (ASI), Planet Labs, the University of Southern California, Brown University School of Engineering, Spaceflight, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace &amp; Defense (EBAD), and TelePIX, a South Korean space startup.Notable partnerships include its tie-up with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/26250">SpaceX </a>to launch its ION Satellite Carrier missions on <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/26250">SpaceX</a> transporters. D-Orbit has also partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/404857">Leaf Space</a> and AWS Ground Station to provide global coverage for its mission control software suite Aurora. Other partnerships include a collaboration with Starfish Space for orbital rendezvous missions, ​HyImpulse Technologies for a joint launch and deployment mission, MetaSensing for collaboration on the IRIDE project, and with SkyServe STORM to integrate edge computing functionalities within the SkyServe STORM platform, enabling the processing of live Earth observation data from D-Orbit's resources into inferences directly in space.

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

Beyond Earth builds small rockets to provide dedicated CubeSat launches to low-earth-orbit on short notice.

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

Isar Aerospace, is a German launch services provider, specializing in the delivery of small and medium satellites, as well as constellations to Earth’s orbit. To this end, the company has developed Spectrum, its flagship launch vehicle. Spectrum is a 28-meter tall, two-stage orbital launch vehicle with a payload capacity of 1,000 kg to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and a 700 kg to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Developed fully in-house, the launch vehicle is powered by Aquila engine, which uses liquid oxygen and propane as propellant, which is claimed to provide clean propulsion with minimal environmental impact. Isar Aerospace provides dedicated, lead, and rideshare services with the Spectrum launch vehicle from its dedicated launch pad in Andoya, Norway, with the maiden flight slated to take place in 2H 2023. With a focus on vertical integration, Isar Aerospace develops all its components in-house. According to the company, its manufacturing systems are built on a high degree of automation along with the use of additive manufacturing techniques and carbon composite materials. Key customers and partnerships Astrocast, a Swiss satellite company signed a launch services agreement with Isar Aerospace in December 2021 to launch nanosatellites for its IoT network, with the contract providing an option for additional satellite launches. In November 2022, the company signed a multi-launch agreement with space mobility services provider Exotrail for launches between 2024 and 2029. The company also signed a multi-launch agreement with US-based Spaceflight inc for dedicated launches to SSO in 2025 and 2026. Additionally, Isar Aerospace was selected by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to launch selected payloads from the Microlauncher competition to LEO aboard the second flight of Spectrum launch vehicle. Funding and financials In its latest funding round In March 2023, Isar Aerospace <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17350">raised EUR 155 million (~USD 165 million) </a>in a Series C funding round, with investments coming in from 7-Industries Holding, HV Capital, Porsche SE, and others. The funding was earmarked for accelerated efforts for the maiden flight of Spectrum, scaling production functions, development of new products and initiatives, and continuing vertical integration efforts. Along with this funding, the company has raised over EUR 322 million (~USD 350 million) in funding to date. As of the same period, Isar Aerospace had an employee headcount of over 300.

Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation) is engaged in the design, manufacture, and launch of rockets and spacecrafts. The startup manufactured Falcon 9, which is the first orbital class reusable rocket that helped the company bring down costs per launch due to the ability to refly. SpaceX claims to be the world’s leading provider of launch services and the first private company to transport cargo and astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS) with its Dragon spacecraft. It is also the first and only company to complete an all-civilian crewed mission to orbit.With Elon Musk’s plans to colonize the moon and Mars with reusable spaceships to make life multiplanetary, the startup offers commercial flights to Earth and lunar orbit and launched its first all-commercial crew to space station in April 2022. The company also offers a rideshare program, with programs starting at USD 1.1 million for 200kg to SSO (Sun Synchronous Orbit).SpaceX is also developing the Starship launch vehicle which is dubbed as the most powerful launch vehicle on earth. Starship is the integration of SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy Rocket. Standing at 120 meters tall and with a fully reusable payload capacity of 100–150 tons, Starship is a fully reusable crew and cargo transportation system meant for travel beyond earth’s orbit. In April 2023, Starship <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17914">conducted its maiden launch </a>during which the launch vehicle exploded due to a stage separation failure. The second test flight in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24117">November 2023 </a>, despite ending in a mid-air explosion, showcased notable advancements compared to the initial flight.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24439">November 2023 </a>, SpaceX acquired Pioneer Aerospace, a provider of high-speed drogue parachutes, for USD 2.2 million as part of Pioneer's bankruptcy proceedings. SpaceX aims to vertically integrate the production of drogue parachutes, allowing the company to ensure quality control of this crucial component.On <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30279">6th June 2024</a>, SpaceX launched its Starship rocket and successfully brought down the booster and the upper stage back to Earth in controlled ocean splashdowns, marking a key milestone for the rocket’s operations. Further in June, the company also launched 20 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30611">Starlink satellites</a> from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, followed by <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30664">launching the SES</a> satellite aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to replace the older satellites stationed over Europe.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31473">July 2024</a>, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 for a second time with 20 Starlink satellites, however, it experienced upper-stage failure and all of the satellites were returned to Earth and lost. An <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31996">investigation</a> with the FAA revealed that this was due to a crack in a sense line for a pressure sensor of the oxygen system. During the same <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.Key customers and partnershipsSpaceX has secured many partnerships, with the most high profile being with NASA (in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12727">September 2022 </a>, NASA awarded SpaceX additional crew flights to ISS) as well as other government institutions such as the US Airforce. For example, in January 2022, it won a USD 102 million Air Force contract to demonstrate technologies for point-to-point space transportation. The company was also given a USD 2.9 billion contract in April 2021 by NASA to put its astronauts on the moon for the first time since 1972. Adding a modification–known as option B–to this contract, SpaceX was <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14642">hired to provide a second crewed demonstration landing </a>in November 2022.The ESA hired SpaceX in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13938">October 2022 </a>to launch two missions aboard Falcon 9 rocket–Euclid space telescope and Hera Probe–which was previously planned to be flown on Russian Soyuz rockets. Further, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14056">October 2022 </a>, SpaceX surpassed Boeing–a long standing contractor with NASA–to become NASA’s second largest vendor.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30280">June 2024</a> SpaceX was awarded a USD 1.5 million contract by NASA for a Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, along with 6 other companies. The <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30463">same month</a>, alongside Blue Origin and ULA, SpaceX was selected by the USSF for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 launch services contract. SpaceX, once again partnered with NASA in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30847">June 2024</a>, to create and deliver the US Deorbit Vehicle which would bring the International Space Station (ISS) out of orbit in later in 2030.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31893">July 2024</a>, the company was awarded a ~USD 113 million contract from NASA to provide launch services for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) 4 mission.Funding and financialsSpaceX is the highest funded startup in the industry and one of the most valuable startups in the US, as of August 2022. In its latest funding round in July 2022, SpaceX raised USD 250 million in an equity round from five investors including Mirae Asset Global Investments, Alpha Dhabi and International Holding Company. While SpaceX did not disclose a change in its valuation after the round, its previous equity round raised in May 2022 increased its value to USD 127 billion, up from its last valuation of USD 100 billion from late 2021.

SpaceX

Founded in 2021, Sierra Space is an independent commercial space startup that was created as a result of the transition of defense contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area to an independent company.The company is developing the Dream Chaser Spaceplane, claimed to be the world’s first commercial spaceplane and only winged commercial spaceplane, with a NASA contract to fly cargo resupply trips to the ISS beginning late 2023. The Dream Chaser was set to launch early 2023 and is reusable and capable of a low, 1.5 g-force re-entry – for crew and cargo transportation – and can land on compatible commercial airport runways around the globe. The company is also developing the LIFE habitat (Large Integrated Flexible Environment), an inflatable three-story commercial habitation and science platform designed for low Earth orbit. The LIFE habitat has the capacity to sleep four astronauts, with additional room for science experiments, exercise equipment, a medical center, and Sierra Space’s Astro Garden system, which can grow fresh produce for astronauts. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31995">July 2024</a>, Sierra Space concluded its second full-scale burst test of the LIFE module, and announced its plans to fly it as a standalone spacecraft and to test a module with a volume of 500 m3 by 2025.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30892">June 2024</a>, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced that Dream Chaser’s launch abroad the Vulcan Centaur rocket was postponed. However, Sierra Space reports that the Dream Chaser is still set to launch by the end of 2024.Key customers and partnershipsIn October 2021, Sierra Space and Blue Origin announced that the companies are developing Orbital Reef, a commercial space station, backed by players including Boeing, Redwire Space, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University. Orbital Reef will 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 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14055">October 2022 </a>, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IBM to collaborate on space technology and software platforms for Sierra Space’s entire range of spacecraft and infrastructure. Sierra Space partnered with Keystone Space Collaborative in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14514">November 2022 </a>, to advance space economy and for the development of Orbital Reef.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16778">February 2023 </a>, the company signed a five-year MoU with the University of Notre Dame for the exploration of space-based research and development in low-earth orbit (LEO), which includes identifying potential opportunities for R&amp;D payloads, conducting microgravity experiments, along with designing and developing hardware components to facilitate experimental objectives and commercialization of research findings. Further, in April 2023, Sierra Space entered a <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17792">long-term strategic partnership </a>with engineering and manufacturing company ILC Dover to accelerate the development of next-generation space infrastructure. The companies were to collaborate on expediting the deployment of LIFE modules, as well as developing space suits for extra and intra-vehicular activity.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/20535">July 2023 </a>, Sierra Space secured a USD 22.6 million Air Force contract to advance the development of its VR35K-A engine for future launch vehicles. The contract will facilitate further work on the engine, including refining its flight-weight engine component design.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31493">July 2024</a>, Sierra Space partnered 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.Funding and financialsFollowing the spin-off from Sierra Nevada Corporation, Sierra Space started with USD 3 billion in active contracts and with the target of reaching USD 4 billion in revenue within a decade. At the time of spin-off, Sierra Nevada Corporation’s space business was generating ~USD 400 million in annual revenue.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22189">September 2023 </a>, the company raised USD 290 million in a Series B round. The funding was co-led by Japanese investors MUFG, Kanematsu Corporation, and Tokio Marine &amp; Nichido, with participation from existing investors. The funding will help scale Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane and commercial space station projects. The company plans to focus on the development and operations of the first commercial space station, as well as the growth of its national security offering and its space systems components business. It aims to conduct tests on a full-scale LIFE habitat and launch a demonstration mission in 2026.

Sierra Space

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 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 
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 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.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 In 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 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.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 Virgin Galactic recorded USD 2.3 million revenue in 2022. Further, adjusted EBITDA deteriorated to a negative USD 431 million in 2022 (from USD 245 million in 2021). The company&rsquo;s net loss widened from USD 353 million in 2021 to USD 500 million in 2022, mainly driven by 118% YoY increase in R&amp;D expenditure.
 
 
 In October 2019, Virgin Galactic was listed on the NYSE (SPCE) through a SPAC deal, receiving USD 450 million of primary proceeds with a market capitalization of USD 2.3 billion. This made Virgin Galactic the world&rsquo;s first and only publicly traded commercial human spaceflight company at the time.&nbsp;
 
 
 In its latest funding round in January 2022, it raised USD 425 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2027. The company intends to use the funds for working capital, general and administrative activities, and capital expenditures to accelerate the development of its spacecraft fleet in order to facilitate high-volume commercial service.
 
 
 
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Virgin Galactic

<div>
 
 Arizona-based World View Enterprises designs and manufactures stratospheric balloons through which it has been taking 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&ndash;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&ndash;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 partnerships
 
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15704">
 January 2023
 </a>
 , the company 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.
 
</div>

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.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.Funding and financialsIn its latest funding round in May 2022, Space Perspective raised USD 17 million bringing its total funding to USD 65 million. The round saw several new investors, including Silicon Valley Bank, Trinity Capital and Henry Kravis, co-founder of investment company KKR and Co. The funding was expected to be used for further development of its stratospheric passenger balloon system that simulates one aspect of spaceflight.

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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