Space & ISR startups in Europe

Manufactures software-defined laser communication terminals for satellites (ERMESAI+) and airborne or drone platforms (ARES).

Builds onboard AI computers and software that process satellite data in orbit for faster Earth observation and autonomy.

Builds and operates satellites and constellations delivering Earth-observation data and connectivity services to governments and institutions.

Designs, builds and operates software-defined nanosatellites and ESPA-class spacecraft for commercial and government missions.

Provides AI-driven space traffic management that automates collision risk assessment and manoeuvre planning for satellite operators.

Builds and launches the Spectrum small-satellite orbital rocket, positioned as sovereign European access to space.

Builds and operates a constellation of small LEO satellites for IoT connectivity, now developing space based detection and geolocation of jamming and emissions.

Builds and operates the largest commercial SAR satellite constellation, providing all-weather radar imaging to defence and government customers.

Orbital AI company offering Live Maritime Intelligence that tasks satellites and sensors to detect threats to cables, pipelines and sea lanes.

Operates autonomous hydrogen-powered airships providing persistent aerial surveillance between satellites and drones.

Develops PHOENIX orbital transport and re-entry vehicles for payload return, with an ATMOS WORKS unit serving government and defence customers.

Space domain awareness company running a global ground based optical telescope network that tracks satellites and debris in all orbits, day and night.

Spanish launch company developing the reusable Miura 5 orbital rocket for sovereign European access to space.

Defence industrial platform building multi-domain sensing, networked systems and manufacturing for border protection and allied interoperability.

Builds a constellation of high-resolution thermal infrared satellites delivering day and night heat intelligence for defence, government and energy users.

Develops autonomous AI guidance systems that let satellites detect jamming and other threats and manoeuvre to safety without ground control.

Building a very high-resolution Earth observation satellite constellation delivering near-hourly imagery and analytics for defence and crisis management.

Provides in-orbit servicing for satellites, including inspection, life extension and maintenance, mainly in geostationary orbit.

Designs and builds custom LEO satellites for optical, SAR, space domain awareness and SIGINT missions for defence customers.

Designs and builds modular small satellites and constellations for public and private customers, aiming to produce one satellite per week.

Develops Very Low Earth Orbit satellites with air-breathing electric propulsion for sharper imaging and direct-to-device connectivity.

Space surveillance company building a sovereign radar network and data platform for space situational and domain awareness.

Develops secure, jam-resistant laser communication terminals and optical ground stations for space-to-ground links and defence multi-domain operations.

Builds AI software for autonomous spacecraft operations, including onboard autonomy (orbital_OLIVER) and predictive maintenance tools.

Operates a hyperspectral satellite constellation with AI analytics for maritime, security and environmental intelligence.

Develops AI onboard data processing for satellites to cut downlink costs and enable autonomous space missions.

Space domain awareness company providing satellite safety software and space surveillance data, including for space defence users.

Operates a satellite constellation that detects and geolocates ships from space via their radio-frequency emissions.

Designs, mass-produces and operates satellite platforms for Earth observation and telecommunications for government and commercial customers.

Space surveillance and traffic management company offering collision avoidance, constellation monitoring and orbital tracking services.

Builds optical ground stations and laser communication terminals, plus optical components for directed energy weapons and rangefinders.

TUM spin-out building the MULE orbital transfer vehicle, cryogenic propulsion modules and thrusters, plus a MOLE loitering spacecraft for sovereign missions.

Satellite operator providing 5G non-terrestrial IoT and connectivity services for government, defence, energy and maritime users.

Builds optical Earth observation payloads and small FlexSat satellites, with a defence and security ISR offering for borders and maritime.