A German startup, ISPTech, which develops in-space propulsion systems using non-toxic fuels, has raised €5.5 million in a seed round led by Join Capital to increase production of its spacecraft thrusters.
- Founded in 2023 by Lukas Werling and Felix Lauck as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), ISPTech develops in-space propulsion systems for small and large satellites. The company produces two main classes of thrusters: HyNOx, a bipropellant system using nitrous oxide and ethane for small satellites, and HIP_11, a hypergolic system combining highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide with an ionic liquid fuel for larger spacecraft.
- HyNOx is self-pressurizing, non-toxic, and can operate in both chemical and cold gas modes without preheating, offering thrust levels from 1 N to 200 N. HIP_11 provides higher-density fuel storage, hypergolic ignition without catalysts, and thrust starting at 22 N, delivering similar performance to conventional hydrazine systems but with lower toxicity.
- Both systems are designed for simplified architecture, rapid integration, and mission-ready operation, with extensive testing under vacuum and atmospheric conditions to ensure reliability and safety.
Details of the deal
- The fresh funding also saw support from High-Tech Gründerfonds, Faber, First Momentum Ventures, Lightfield Equity, Final Frontier Liftoff, DLR, and Start-up BW Seed Fonds.
- With the fresh €5.5 million in funding, ISPTech plans to scale up production of its green, non‑toxic satellite propulsion systems, grow its workforce, and build a new in‑house test facility to increase output from a handful of units per year to dozens by the end of the decade. The firm is also working on expanding its propulsion offerings, including a dual‑mode system that could provide both chemical and electric thrust.
