Deep Space Energy Raises $1M for Lunar Power Tech

Jan de Vries · 2026-02-11

A Latvian startup called Deep Space Energy just got a major boost. They've secured about $1 million in funding to push forward with a unique power generator for space. This isn't your average solar panel. They're working on a radioisotope generator, a device that could be a game-changer for satellites and future Moon missions. Think of it like a super-reliable backup battery that doesn't need sunlight. For satellites doing critical jobs, like military reconnaissance, that's a huge deal. If something blocks the sun or a system fails, this tech could keep them running. ### Where the Funding Came From The total raise breaks down into two parts. First, there was a $375,000 pre-Seed round led by the Outlast Fund and an angel investor named Linas Sargautis. On top of that, they landed another $620,000 through contracts and grants. The big names backing them? The European Space Agency (ESA), NATO's DIANA program, and the Latvian government. That's a pretty strong vote of confidence. As the company's founder, Mihails Ščepanskis, puts it: "Our technology... provides the redundancy of satellite power systems by supplying backup power that does not depend on solar energy." ### A Wave of Investment in European SpaceTech Deep Space Energy's news is part of a much bigger trend. In the last couple of years, investors have been pouring money into European space technology. We're talking about nearly $200 million flowing into the sector. Here's a quick look at some other notable deals: - Germany's Reflex Aerospace got $53.5 million for sovereign satellite platforms. - France's Infinite Orbits raised $42.8 million for in-orbit satellite servicing. - Also in France, Look Up secured $53.5 million for space surveillance. - Spain's Kreios Space landed $8.6 million for new propulsion systems. Compared to those later-stage rounds, Deep Space Energy's $1 million places it at an earlier, proof-of-concept phase. Their focus is squarely on solving the energy problem, not building the whole satellite. ### How This Space Generator Actually Works Founded in 2022, the company is developing what's called a radioisotope power generator. Here's the simple version: it uses the natural heat given off by certain nuclear materials. These materials can actually be extracted from the waste of commercial nuclear reactors. Their big innovation? Their design converts that heat into electricity much more efficiently. "It requires five times less fuel than the current standard generators used in space," the team highlights. This makes it ideal for long, dark missions where solar power isn't an option, like on the lunar surface or in deep space. ### The "Dual-Use" Focus: Defense and Exploration It's important to note what this technology is *not* for. The company is clear that its generator is not a weapon. Instead, they're targeting "dual-use" satellites. These are high-value assets used for both defense and scientific purposes. The primary customers would be satellites in specific orbits critical for modern operations: - Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) - Geostationary Orbit (GEO) - Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) These satellites handle everything from spotting missile launches to gathering signal intelligence through clouds and foliage. Making them more resilient directly supports Europe's goal of greater strategic independence in space. As Mihails adds, "As Europe is trying to become more independent, it is imperative to produce satellites with advanced capabilities on our own." This $1 million in funding is a solid step on that path.