10 European SpaceTech Startups Poised to Change the Game

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-29

Europe's SpaceTech sector is hitting its stride, fueled by a surge in public funding and a stronger industrial footprint. The European Space Agency's (ESA) 2026 report shows public space budgets climbed 12% in 2025, and regional contractors are clawing back market share upstream. This isn't just a blip; it's a clear signal that space is now a strategic priority for the continent. Demand is booming for sovereign intelligence, connectivity, Earth observation, and independent access to orbit. Money is flowing across the entire value chain, though the bulk still lands with a few big satellite and launch players. Meanwhile, startups tackling propulsion, logistics, components, and orbital infrastructure are quietly building the foundation for what comes next. We've rounded up 10 innovative companies founded between 2021 and 2026 that are already making waves, listed alphabetically. Each one brings something unique to the table, from laser power beaming to nuclear generators. ### Measuring Emissions from Space **AIRMO** is fusing SpaceTech with ClimatTech to build satellite systems that track greenhouse gas emissions. Their tech pairs a proprietary LiDAR instrument with advanced data analytics, letting them monitor emissions directly from orbit. This gives emitters, policymakers, and financial institutions the hard numbers they need to push toward net-zero. What's cool is how AIRMO turns messy environmental data into clear, actionable insights. It makes our impact on the planet harder to ignore. Founded in 2022, this German startup has pulled in $11.2 million in funding so far. ### Powering Missions When the Sun Can't **Deep Space Energy**, based in Riga and launched in 2022, is developing radioisotope generators that convert heat from nuclear decay into electricity. These are built for satellites and lunar missions, keeping them alive during long lunar nights or in permanently shadowed craters where solar panels are useless. Their generators use about five times less radioisotope fuel than conventional ones, which means missions can last longer and scarce nuclear material goes further. With $1 million in total funding, they're proving that spacecraft can keep running even when the Sun is out of reach. ### The Cardiovascular System of Spacecraft **deltaVision**, out of Munich, builds the systems that move fuel, gases, and heat around a spacecraft. Think of it as the vehicle's circulatory system—it powers engines, enables in-orbit refueling, and stops sensitive gear from overheating. That keeps missions operating safely for extended periods. By designing these functions to work together, deltaVision wants to make spacecraft easier to maintain, reuse, and adapt for different jobs. Founded in 2022, they've raised $11.1 million to date. ### Sharper Eyes, Closer to Home **NewOrbit Space**, based in Reading, UK, is building satellites that orbit at just 112 miles above Earth—far closer than the typical 300-plus miles. This lower altitude lets them capture sharper images and deliver faster, stronger communication signals. Flying about three times closer than standard low-orbit satellites means NewOrbit can boost performance without needing bigger or more complex hardware. Since 2021, they've raised $25 million to make high-quality imagery and connectivity more accessible. ### Lasers for Power and Cleanup **ORiS**, launched in Turin in 2024, is developing tech that sends power through precisely aimed laser beams. Their systems could recharge satellites in low Earth orbit, supply energy to lunar equipment, or support civilian and defense projects back on Earth. The approach is straightforward: direct laser energy at a distant receiver, no cables or physical contact needed. ORiS also plans to use lasers to nudge space debris away from active satellites by gently altering its path. They've raised $5.3 million since founding. These startups show that Europe's space future isn't just about rockets and satellites—it's about the clever, often invisible systems that make everything work. Keep an eye on them; they're just getting started.