These 10 European SpaceTech Startups Are Quietly Reshaping the Industry

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-29

Europe's SpaceTech sector is climbing fast. It's not just hype anymore. Public investment is surging, and the region's contractors are clawing back market share. According to the European Space Agency's (ESA) 2026 report, public space budgets jumped 12% in 2025. That's a big deal. It signals that space is becoming a strategic priority, not just a scientific curiosity. Demand is growing for sovereign intelligence, connectivity, Earth observation, and independent access to space. Money is flowing across the value chain, but most of it is still concentrated in a handful of satellite and launch companies. The startups working on propulsion, logistics, components, and orbital infrastructure? They're still finding their footing. That's where the real opportunity lies. In this article, we're highlighting 10 innovative startups founded between 2021 and 2026 that are already shaping the industry. They're listed in alphabetical order, but don't let that fool you. Each one is worth your attention. ### AIRMO: Turning Emissions Into Action AIRMO blends SpaceTech with ClimateTech. They're building satellite-based systems to measure greenhouse gas emissions. Their tech combines a proprietary LiDAR instrument with advanced data analytics to monitor emissions directly from space. This helps emitters, policymakers, and financial institutions make smarter decisions. Think of it as a global accountability system. AIRMO turns hard-to-check environmental data into useful insights. It makes humanity's impact on Earth easier to understand and harder to ignore. Founded in 2022, this German startup has raised about $11.2 million (€10.3 million). ### Deep Space Energy: Powering the Impossible Based in Riga and launched in 2022, Deep Space Energy is developing radioisotope generators. These devices turn heat from nuclear decay into electricity for satellites and lunar missions. They keep spacecraft running when solar power isn't available, like during long lunar nights or in permanently shadowed areas. Their tech uses about five times less radioisotope fuel than conventional generators. That means missions last longer, and scarce nuclear material goes further. With total funding of around $1 million (€930k), they're proving that even small teams can tackle big problems. ### deltaVision: The Cardiovascular System of Spacecraft Launched in Munich, deltaVision builds the systems that move fuel, gases, and heat around a spacecraft. These systems power engines, allow spacecraft to refuel in orbit, and prevent sensitive equipment from overheating. In short, they help missions operate safely for longer. The startup compares its tech to a spacecraft's cardiovascular system. It keeps essential resources flowing to the right place at the right time. By designing these functions to work together, deltaVision aims to make spacecraft easier to maintain, reuse, and adapt. Founded in 2022, they've raised about $11.1 million (€10.2 million). ### NewOrbit Space: Closer Than Ever NewOrbit Space is based in Reading, United Kingdom. They build satellites designed to orbit Earth at about 112 miles (180 kilometers). That's much closer than most conventional satellites. Operating at this lower altitude allows them to capture sharper images and deliver stronger, faster communication services. By flying about three times closer to Earth than standard low-orbit satellites, NewOrbit improves performance without relying on larger or more complex spacecraft. They want to make high-quality satellite imagery and connectivity more accessible. Since 2021, they've raised about $25 million (€23 million). ### ORiS: Lasers for Power and Debris Removal Launched in Turin, ORiS develops technology that sends power through precisely aimed laser beams. Their systems could recharge satellites in low Earth orbit, supply energy to equipment on the Moon, and support civilian or defense projects on Earth. The tech works by directing laser energy toward a distant receiver, removing the need for cables or physical contact. ORiS also plans to use lasers to gently move space debris away from active satellites. Since 2024, they've raised about $5.3 million (€4.9 million). ### Why This Matters for U.S. Professionals If you're in the U.S. and watching the European SpaceTech scene, here's the takeaway: these startups aren't just copycats of American companies. They're solving unique problems with fresh approaches. From nuclear power for lunar missions to laser-based debris removal, they're pushing boundaries. European public investment is creating a fertile ground for innovation. And as these startups grow, they'll likely partner with or compete against U.S. firms. Keeping an eye on them now could give you a strategic edge. ### What's Next? The SpaceTech sector is still in its early days. Most capital is still flowing to a few big players. But the startups listed here show that innovation is happening across the board. Whether it's emissions monitoring, power generation, or satellite design, these companies are building the infrastructure for tomorrow's space economy. If you're involved in space investment, policy, or technology development, these are names to watch. They might not be household names yet, but they're quietly reshaping the industry.