In the quest to foster space entrepreneurship in Eastern Europe, from the south-eastern region all the way to the Baltic countries, InnORBIT seeks to assist innovation intermediaries to encourage the growth of their space start-ups
Across the globe, a vast number of research centres, corporates and start-ups are developing new technologies to reduce the cost of access to space. SpaceTec contributes with advice on business models aiming to bring spacecrafts and humans to space more effectively.
The supply side of the launch market is transformed by reduced cost to orbit and increasing competition from entrants around the world. A driver for cutting cost is reusability, for which Falcon 9`s first stages represent one of the iconic symbols. Going hand in hand with miniaturization of satellites, micro-launchers offer a cheaper, more flexible way for Space Transportation. Just in Germany, three star-ups were launched since 2018, adding to a global number of 80-100 small rocket launchers. Global competition is only limited by investments of single countries to possess sovereign launching capabilities.
On the demand side, an increasing interest in manned missions to Low Earth Orbit by institutional and commercial players become evident. Besides manned lunar missions, space tourism is one of the enablers with plans for “All-civilian” missions and space hotels.
SpaceTec Partners is involved in the development of state-of-the art space transport technologies and solutions, supporting the commercialisation with market studies, communication work and the finetuning of business plans. As an example, SpaceTec Partners analysed the market for propulsion and assessed micro-launcher market opportunities.
Impact Stories
Liftoff Accelerator by SpaceTec Partners is a bespoke space accelerator supporting
start-ups in the space industry with customisable support opportunities. As experts with in-depth space industry experience and a long-standing network within the space ecosystem, we help growing start-ups to lift off their businesses sustainably.
Independent access to space is a key component of the European Space Policy. As competition increases both for full launch systems and key subsystems, cost-effectiveness becomes a main driving factor.
Together with a major European launch provider, SpaceTec Partners analysed the most likely market opportunities and target addressable and accessible markets for potential new micro-launchers tackling the small (<= 500 kg mass) satellites market with a special focus on under 200 kg mass classes.
Nowadays, small satellite operators have two solutions to launch their spacecraft: fly piggyback with a larger satellite or share a ride with other small satellites. Both launch options however require a significant logistical effort, high cost and usually require a big compromise on choosing the right launch date.
Access to finance is a key enabler of entrepreneurship in a European space ecosystem which has seen several transformations and advancements in recent years. From an analysis of the role of the public sector, to evaluating market maturity and sector risks, this report provides a comprehensive review of the European space sector; identifying gaps, highlighting challenges and providing a number of recommendations and potential policy actions.
