SingularOrbit provides on‑orbit recovery services for satellite systems deployed in Low Earth Orbit, safely returning them to Earth for research, refurbishment, or reuse. By retrieving derelict assets—currently an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 satellites—the company helps de‑clutter critical orbital pathways and extends the functional life of space hardware.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Thousands of defunct satellites remain in Low Earth Orbit, creating congestion and collision risk while offering no pathway for reuse or scientific study. Existing orbital debris mitigation strategies lack a practical method to retrieve intact hardware for refurbishment or research.
Solution
SingularOrbit provides an end‑to‑end on‑orbit recovery service that captures satellites in Low Earth Orbit and returns them to Earth undamaged. The company designs a dedicated Orbital Capture Vehicle (OCV) capable of rendezvousing with targets in highly elliptical orbits, performing a soft capture, and securing the payload for controlled de‑orbit. After capture, the OCV initiates re‑entry using a reusable heat‑shielded capsule that lands safely for post‑flight processing. The recovered hardware can then be inspected, refurbished, or used for research, extending its functional life and reducing orbital debris. SingularOrbit’s first demonstrator targets the historic Vanguard 1 satellite, scheduled for return in 2028, to validate the technology and establish a reusable recovery workflow for future customers.
Target Audience
Primary customers are satellite operators, government space agencies, and commercial firms that need to de‑orbit, refurbish, or study end‑of‑life spacecraft, as well as museums and research institutions seeking historic or scientific hardware.
Features
- Soft‑capture mechanism on the Orbital Capture Vehicle that gently secures satellites without damaging delicate components
- Precision rendezvous and docking system capable of operating across a 410 mi to 2,375 mi altitude envelope
- Re‑entry capsule with heat‑shield and parachute system designed for intact payload recovery on Earth
- Modular OCV architecture that accommodates a wide range of satellite sizes and form factors
- Integrated mission planning, launch provider coordination, and regulatory compliance support
- Reusable launch integration allowing multiple capture missions per vehicle
- Post‑recovery processing pipeline for inspection, refurbishment, and data extraction