Kreios Space
This company develops satellites capable of operating in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) using proprietary air-breathing electric propulsion. Their VLEO platform enables significantly sharper Earth observation imagery and direct-to-device broadband connectivity without large antennas. This technology reduces operational costs and naturally mitigates space debris through atmospheric re-entry.
- Aerospace
- Clean Technology
- Hardware
Funding
Raised to date
$3.2MRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Satellites operating in Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO) require constant fuel consumption to counteract atmospheric drag, limiting mission duration and increasing operational costs. Traditional chemical propulsion systems also contribute to space debris and are not environmentally sustainable.
Solution
Kreios Space is developing an Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) system that enables satellites to maintain VLEO using only atmospheric air and solar power. The ABEP system intakes ambient air, generates plasma, and accelerates it through an electromagnetic nozzle to produce thrust. This eliminates the need for conventional fuel, significantly reducing operational costs and extending mission lifetimes. By utilizing a renewable energy source and minimizing space debris, the ABEP system offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for VLEO satellite operations.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes satellite manufacturers, Earth observation companies, telecommunications providers, and space agencies seeking to enhance the performance and sustainability of VLEO satellite missions.
Features
- Air-breathing electric propulsion system for VLEO satellites
- Utilizes atmospheric air and solar power as the sole propellants
- Electromagnetic nozzle for high specific impulse thrust generation
- Continuous thrust production for sustained orbit maintenance
- Eco-friendly operation with minimal space debris generation
- Enables a 16-fold resolution increase for Earth observation and telecommunications satellites due to closer proximity to Earth